Corydon’s Old Capitol Furniture offers unique style
A second store just kind of happened for Kim Blumenstock, who also owns TK Wholesale in Corydon. When things seemed to align, she opened Old Capitol Home Furnishings in November 2022.
“We had some problems getting furniture from our regular distributor at TK,” she said. “People were always asking about furniture and sectionals.”
Since TK is wholesale, she didn’t have any control over what items they received to sell. Through that, Blumenstock was introduced to a sales rep at Ashley Furniture.
“We brought in a few pieces just to see how they would be received, and it was received really well,” she said.
Old Capitol is different than its sister store, TK Wholesale, in that it sells at retail prices instead of the deep discount. However, Old Capitol’s prices are still very competitive.
Old Capitol is different than its sister store, TK Wholesale, in that it sells at retail prices instead of the deep discount. However, Old Capitol’s prices are still very competitive.
“That’s another reason I really wanted to move [the store] away from TK, because it’s not the deep discount; I didn’t want people to expect that,” she said.
The storefront Old Capitol is now open and shows furniture beautifully. It also allows Blumenstock to set up a true furniture store and showcase two or three bigger items, such as sofas or table sets, at a time.
The storefront Old Capitol is now open and shows furniture beautifully. It also allows Blumenstock to set up a true furniture store and showcase two or three bigger items, such as sofas or table sets, at a time.
“It allows us to bring in a bigger variety and more options,” she said.
This new endeavor stemmed from the lack of choice in inventory at TK and naturally evolved from there. They are able to offer financing through Synchrony and have quotes from a local moving company for deliveries.
“We also have a catalog kiosk. I’m amazed at the amount of people that do shop and buy from that kiosk,” Blumenstock said. “Since we are smaller, it just gives you more options to look from.”
Items can be bought off the floor or ordered.
“Inventory is always changing. The good thing about Old Capitol is I can reorder it, where I don’t have that luxury with TK.”
– Kim Blumenstock
“Inventory is always changing,” she said. “The good thing about Old Capitol is I can reorder it, where I don’t have that luxury with TK.”
While there’s no specific style for the furniture available, Blumenstock said she does want to stand out from the crowd.
“I’ve got a couple different styles coming in that I’m really excited about. I want to be just a little unique in terms of what you can find. I don’t want it to be over the top where it doesn’t sell, but I also don’t want it to be you can walk in any store and find what we have.”
– Kim Blumenstock
“I’ve got a couple different styles coming in that I’m really excited about. I want to be just a little unique in terms of what you can find,” she said. “I don’t want it to be over the top where it doesn’t sell, but I also don’t want it to be you can walk in any store and find what we have.”
Blumenstock is looking forward to having a manager at Old Capitol so she can return to splitting her time between both Old Capitol and TK Wholesale. In the meantime, she said she wouldn’t have been able to open this new store without her “amazing” staff at TK.
She said there is a lot of opportunity in terms of growing sales and social media. “There are some really good things coming down the pike with Old Capitol.”
One thing she learned from the first store that she is remembering is that when you first start out, it can be a little slower.
“Be patient, but stick with it. I definitely learned the importance of advertising and social media.”
– Kim Blumenstock
“Be patient, but stick with it,” she said. “I definitely learned the importance of advertising and social media.”
One day, Blumenstock would love to have both stores under the same roof, though she said that is most likely a five-to-10-year goal.
In the meantime, she’d like TK to continue growing and sourcing different items for the store. “With Old Capitol – same thing. Just learning what people are looking for and offering that.”
Blumenstock said there’s still a whole lot to learn and she wants to continue focusing on great pricing and great customer service. •
Old Capitol is open Wednesdays – Saturdays 10-6; Sundays 11-4. TK Wholesale is open Tuesdays – Saturdays 10-6; Sundays 11-4.
You can find Old Capitol Home Furnishings and TK Wholesale on Facebook and Instagram
Story by Darian Decker
Photos by Michelle Hockman
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