Virginia Beach – After 128 years of serving local families, Haynes Furniture and The Dump will close all of their stores. The decision follows the retirement of executive chairman E.J. Strelitz, who said he wants to spend more time with his children and grandchildren and continue giving back to the community.
Family legacy comes to an end
The Strelitz family began the business with a modest storefront on Grace Street in Richmond and later expanded to Main Street in Norfolk. Over the decades the company grew into a regional chain, with multiple locations on Virginia Beach Boulevard and throughout the Hampton Roads area. The family has described the upcoming going‑out‑of‑business sale as a “bittersweet” opportunity to thank generations of customers for their loyalty.
Customers react to the news
Shoppers at the Virginia Beach Boulevard store were still processing the announcement on Friday. Christina Hayes, a longtime patron, said she was shocked when she learned the store would close. “I was like, Oh. Oh no! Not Haynes!” she recalled, adding that she has many memories of buying loveseats, tables, chairs and a bed for her children at the store.
Another customer noted the closure feels especially significant now that larger retailers such as IKEA have entered the market, reminding everyone of the store’s long‑standing presence in the community.
Closing sales and timeline
Haynes Furniture and The Dump have launched a going‑out‑of‑business sale featuring discounts on furniture, mattresses, rugs and other household items. The company says all inventory must be sold, and the selection will depend on what remains available. While no final closing date has been set, the family indicated the stores will remain open until the remaining stock is cleared, encouraging shoppers to act early for the best selection.
Statement from the Strelitz family
In a statement to News 3, the family expressed gratitude for generations of customers and said the sale is intended to celebrate the relationship built over more than a century. The family declined an on‑camera interview at this time but reaffirmed their commitment to the community that supported them throughout the years.
Impact on the local economy
The closure marks the loss of a locally owned employer and a familiar shopping destination for many Virginia Beach residents. While the immediate impact on jobs is limited, the sale may provide an opportunity for other local retailers to attract former Haynes customers. Community leaders have not yet announced any specific plans to fill the vacant retail space.
Looking ahead
As the Strelitz family prepares for retirement, they plan to remain active in local charitable efforts, continuing the tradition of giving back that has been a hallmark of the business. Residents who wish to purchase remaining inventory can visit any of the Haynes Furniture or The Dump locations until the stock is sold out.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
