We're Celebrating A "One-Derful" First Year

On Friday, October 5th, we will celebrate our first birthday. Rubie Home Furnishings acquired its own name in 2017 after we began to notice a clear distinction in clientele and customer needs at our other business, City Home Center. Today, Rubies offers one of the broadest selections of furniture, home décor and gifts in Laurel. We will celebrate by offering refreshments on Friday and Saturday, October 5th and 6th, as well as 15% off all furniture and fall decorative items.

Opening in 2009, City Home Center began by meeting flooring needs as a spinoff of an existing building supply store, City Building Supply. The business then grew to offer tile, paint, kitchen and bath product lines, furniture, mattresses and décor items. The product lines began to require more room for growth, so when commercial space near City Home Center became available, it affirmed what our owners, Karlyn and Kim already, saw on the horizon. “When the commercial space that was once Fred’s opened up, it was an easy decision for us,”  said Kim Smith. “Our shoppers seemed to have very distinct needs - either for renovating or decorating - so we began to see how the move might benefit both types of customers.”

From 2013 to 2017, both spaces remained under the City Home Center brand, but the separation of the two stores on opposite sides of the parking lot brought clarity for the sisters. “We knew it was only a matter of time before we would consider a new name, and, truthfully, our customers eventually made the decision for us,” said Karlyn. A customer told Karlyn that she had to convince a friend that City Home Center offered more than just building supplies. “That was a moment of clarity for us,” she added.

On October 5, 2017, Rubies Home Furnishings was born. Kim and Karlyn chose the name as a tribute to their father, Larry Loftin’s, mother, Rubie Sherman. “She was a true Proverbs 31 woman,” Kim said. Proverbs 31:10 states, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Karlyn and Kim agree that the best thing since Rubies got its start has been the reactions of those who knew their grandmother. “The community has affirmed that she would be proud, and that’s the most rewarding part of this whole year,” Kim said. 

In addition to offering major furniture and décor brands, we are proud to offer unique and highly-sought after items like Coton Colors, a brand of dishes and attachments for collectors. We also are also proud to offer custom floral design and an in-store bridal registry.