NEW PALESTINE — Seventy years is a long time to run a successful business.
That’s how long the Curtis family has been selling merchandise in nearby Rushville, including furniture, appliances, mattresses, kayaks and canoes.
The business, Curtis Brothers, now has expanded into New Palestine. It recently opened a shop in New Palestine focused on mattress sales. Curtis Brothers Mattress Express, 5933 W. U.S. 52, opened Tuesday, May 3.
Andy Curtis, a third-generation member of the family business, and his father, Kim Curtis, own the local store. With the major part of their work still in Rushville at their 20,000-foot furniture store, they plan to have the New Palestine shop open during non-traditional business hours.
The store will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Andy Curtis, a Purdue University graduate, said the company opened a New Palestine location because the town is a growing community with residents who appreciate small businesses.
“You can drive through New Palestine and see it is all about small business,” he said.
Through the years, the family business has changed, Andy Curtis said. It has stopped selling appliances, which allowed them to branch out and open the shop in New Palestine.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the New Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, Kim Curtis said the family selected New Palestine because they liked the community.
“We, in turn, hope they like us,” he said.
While the business owners admit they may have to tweak the hours of operation depending on community needs, they feel they will have a positive influence in town because they are owners who care a great deal about their customers and providing a good product with good service.
“When your name is on the business, you’re attached to it a little bit more,” Andy Curtis said.
