A Century of Service
ABOUT MCGREGORS
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The McGregors Story
1896
Families like yours have been buying furnishings from the McGregor family since 1896. McGregors, Iowa’s oldest family-owned furniture store, began in 1896 when James R. McGregor and partner, Charles Stull, opened Stull and McGregor in Oskaloosa.
1900s
In the early 1900’s deliveries were made by mule drawn wagon. McGregors mules’ names were Tom and Jerry. Since deliveries were made by a mule drawn wagon, if the delivery was to a distant home, McGregors delivery men would need to spend the night at the customer’s home.
1904
The original store was destroyed by fire in 1904. The partners divided up the assets and James R. McGregor rebuilt the store the following year. The new store opened under the new name of McGregors.
1914 - 1929
Below is a picture of employee Ray Bonnett and his son next to a delivery vehicle. Ray worked for McGregors from 1914 to 1929 and furnished his entire house for $343.32 using his 20 percent McGregors employee discount.
1920s
James’ sons James Jr. (Sandy) and Charles (CD) joined the business in the early 1920’s.
1924
In 1924 James R. McGregor Sr. and his sons decided to build a new building in Oskaloosa. The new building afforded McGregors an updated building with more space to show merchandise to their customers.
1928
In 1928, Charles moved to Marshalltown and opened up the second McGregors location on West Main Street.
1930s
The new McGregors location in Marshalltown had a façade that was an example of the Italianate style of architecture. In the early 1930’s, stores were open on Saturday nights because farmers came to town to shop.
1945, 1946, 1963, 1974, 1987
Over the years, McGregors has welcomed additional locations to its family of stores: Ottumwa (1945), Waterloo (1946), Mason City (1963), Fort Dodge (1974) and Coralville (1987).
1950s
In the 1950’s McGregors sold carpet from large rolls. However, in the early 1900’s carpet came to McGregors in 27” widths. The lengths of carpet then had to be sewn together in the backroom before being delivered to the customer.
1996
The following picture shows James and Robert during the company’s 100 year celebration in 1996.
TODAY
Today, Erin McGregor, James McGregor’s Great-Granddaughter, is President and Marshalltown is home to the McGregors corporate headquarters.
Community Involvement
As a family owned business, McGregors Furniture takes pride in giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Each year McGregors gives back and participates in multiple charity efforts. In our “Share The Comfort” annual event, we have given almost $19,000 to the Ronald McDonald House, usually part of the sales from the annual January and February promotions.
Partnering with the American Cancer Society, McGregors participates in two events and promotions each year. Using our Pink Ribbon Mattress product, which is marketed with bedding partner Restonic, McGregors and Restonic have given in excess of $30,000 since it’s inception.
Each McGregors location also participates in their local Relay for Life each year. Our employees give of their time and also raise contributions for this very worthy event each year. Each year we donate a Queen Pink Ribbon Bedding set in conjunction with the “Relay for Life” campaign in each of our three communities.
McGregors Furniture is also an active supporter of United Way and the Iowa College Foundation. Donating annually for over 20 years to United Way and well over 40 years to the Iowa College Foundation, McGregors believes in the future and education of Iowa’s young people.
Equally important is the safety of our local Animal Rescue League. McGregors supports the ARL with donations and fundraising events to give back to our furry friends and find them a safe and happy home. McGregors is proud to serve three communities across the state of Iowa.