Bob's Discount Furniture

{{Infobox company

| name = Bob's Discount Furniture, LLC

| logo = Logo of Bob's Discount Furniture.webp

| type = Private

| industry = Furniture retail

| foundation = {{start date and age|December 13, 1991}} in Newington, Connecticut

| founders = {{Ubl|Bob Kaufman|Gene Rosenberg}}

| hq_location_city = Manchester, Connecticut

| hq_location_country = United States

| num_locations = 150 stores

| num_locations_year = 2022

| area_served = {{unbulleted list|Mid-Atlantic|Midwest|Northeast|West Coast}}

| key_people = {{Ubl|Edmond J. English
(executive chairman)|Bill Barton (president & CEO)|John Weldon (COO)|Jeremy Aguilar (CFO)}}

| products = {{Ubl|Furniture|Bedding|Mattresses}}

| revenue = {{increase}} US$1.158 billion

| revenue_year = 2016

| owners = {{Ubl|Bob Kaufman
(33%; 1991-2005)|Gene Rosenberg
(66%; 1991-2005)|Saunders Karp & Megrue
(70%; 2005)|Apax Partners Worldwide
(70%; 2005-2013)|Bain Capital
(majority; 2013-present)}}

| num_employees = 1,000

| num_employees_year = 2019

| homepage = {{Url|https://www.mybobs.com/}}

| footnotes = {{Cite web |date=July 21, 2016 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture Names Steve Nesle as CMO, Adam Kasper as Marketing VP, Stacey Karagiannis as eCommerce VP |url=https://www.bulldogreporter.com/bobs-discount-furniture-names-steve-nesle-as-cmo-adam-kasper-as-marketing-vp-stacey-karagiannis-as-ecommerce-vp/ |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=Bulldog Reporter}}{{Cite magazine |last=Engel |first=Clint |date=August 28, 2013 |title=Michael Hoffman, Carol Glaser in expanded roles at Bob's |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/392364-michael-hoffman-carol-glaser-in-expanded-roles-at-bobs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031101218/http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/392364-michael-hoffman-carol-glaser-in-expanded-roles-at-bobs |archive-date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=December 28, 2017 |magazine=Furniture Today}}{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture |url=http://forbes.com/companies/bobs-discount-furniture/?list=best-midsize-employers/#f1c8b994eb00 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=Forbes}}

}}

Bob's Discount Furniture is an American furniture store chain headquartered in Manchester, Connecticut. The company opened its first store in 1991 in Newington, Connecticut and is ranked 12th in sales among United States furniture stores according to Furniture Today's list of Top 100 Furniture Stores.{{Cite magazine |last=Engel |first=Clint |date=May 23, 2017 |title=Who are the Top 100 Furniture Stores? |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/543307-who-are-top-100-furniture-stores/ |access-date=April 18, 2018 |website=Furniture Today}}{{Cite magazine |last=Engel |first=Clint |date=May 2017 |title=Top furniture stores post another strong year |url=http://media.progressivebusinessmedia.com/file/4/4269-top-100-furniture-today.pdf?submissionGuid=9f107de2-45f4-46e5-9072-8f41591b4754 |format=PDF |edition=May 22-28, 2017 |pages=46–83 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |magazine=Furniture Today}} {{As of|2022|03}}, the company has 150 stores in 24 US states, primarily in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and West Coast regions.

History

After the future company's co-founder, Bob Kaufman, was injured in a 1976 motorcycle accident, he discovered the benefits of a waterbed for recuperation. This led him to become involved in waterbed sales and, during the 1980s, he rented space in 24 New England stores to sell them. When waterbed sales dwindled by 1990, Kaufman partnered with Gene Rosenberg who owned Wholesale Furniture, one of the stores where Kaufman had rented space.{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Bill |date=November 30, 1997 |title=Now About Bob and Those TV Spots... |at=Section 14CN, page 1 |work=New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/30/nyregion/now-about-bob-and-those-tv-spots.html?pagewanted=all |access-date=April 7, 2022}}{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2008 |title=About |url=http://www.mybobs.com/about/default.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731210731/http://www.mybobs.com/about/default.asp |archive-date=July 31, 2008 |access-date=September 14, 2007 |website=Bob's Discount Furniture}}

Together Kaufman and Rosenberg co-founded Bob's Discount Furniture with Rosenberg owning two-thirds of the company and Kaufman one-third. Rosenberg acquired a building in Newington, Connecticut, previously owned by a furniture company which had gone bankrupt, and re-opened it in 1991 as the first Bob's Discount Furniture store.{{Cite news |last=Marks |first=Paul |date=February 1, 2005 |title=New Investors Have 'Come on Down' To Bob's |page=E1 |work=Hartford Courant |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/256800670 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929192116/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/doc/256800670.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb%201,%202005&author=PAUL%20MARKS&pub=Hartford%20Courant&edition=&startpage=E.1&desc=NEW%20INVESTORS%20HAVE%20%60COME%20ON%20DOWN%27%20TO%20BOB%27S |archive-date=September 29, 2015|id={{ProQuest|256800670}} }}

Through the 1990s, the company added additional locations, often acquiring buildings that had been vacated by tenants bankrupted during the early 1990s US recession. By 1997, it had a dozen stores in Connecticut and two in western Massachusetts. Its ability to grow during its early years in spite of unfavorable economic conditions has been partially attributed to the extensive use of commercials.

In early 2005, the investment firm Saunders Karp & Megrue acquired 70 percent ownership of Bob's Discount Furniture. Subsequently, Saunders Karp & Megrue was acquired by Apax Partners Worldwide in March 2005.{{Cite press release |title=Saunders Karp & Megrue Completes Recapitalization of Bob's Discount Furniture |date=January 31, 2005 |url=http://www.apax.com/news/apax-news/2005/january/saunders-karp-amp-megrue-completes-recapitalisation-of-bob%27s-discount-furniture.aspx |access-date=September 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821235239/http://www.apax.com/news/apax-news/2005/january/saunders-karp-amp-megrue-completes-recapitalisation-of-bob's-discount-furniture.aspx |archive-date=August 21, 2013 |website=Apax Partners}}{{Cite magazine |last=Engel |first=Cliff |date=February 7, 2005 |title=Firm buys 70% stake in Bob's |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/CA503425.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081215154733/http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/CA503425.html |archive-date=December 15, 2008 |access-date=September 14, 2007 |magazine=Furniture Today}}{{Cite news |last=French |first=Howard |date=July 19, 2006 |title=Bob's moving into Rhode Island |work=Journal Inquirer |url=http://www.journalinquirer.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16941005&BRD=985&PAG=461&dept_id=161556&rfi=6 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925021400/http://www.journalinquirer.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16941005&BRD=985&PAG=461&dept_id=161556&rfi=6 |archive-date=September 25, 2006}} In November 2006, Ted English, former president and CEO of TJX Companies, became the CEO of Bob's Discount Furniture, replacing Stan Adelstein, who became chairman.{{Cite web |title=Company profile |url=http://premium.hoovers.com/subscribe/co/factsheet.xhtml?ID=120148 |access-date=September 15, 2007 |website=Hoover's, Inc.}} {{dead link|date=November 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}{{Cite news |last=Cronin |first=Anthony |date=November 8, 2006 |title=Former TJX CEO joining Bob's Discount Furniture |work=The Day |department=Business and Financial News |location=New London, Connecticut}}{{Cite magazine |last=Engel |first=Clint |date=November 13, 2006 |title=Bob's Discount names TJX veteran English to CEO post |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/CA6391681.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610150858/http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/CA6391681.html |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |access-date=September 14, 2007 |magazine=Furniture Today}} Adelstein retired in April 2013, and English took over as chairman.{{Cite magazine |last=Engel |first=Clint |date=April 2, 2013 |title=Stan Adelstein retires as Bob's Discount Furniture chairman |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/404307-stan-adelstein-retires-as-bobs-discount-furniture-chairman |access-date=January 3, 2018 |magazine=Furniture Today}} In late 2006, the company expanded into Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York followed by an expansion further south into Maryland and Virginia.{{Cite news |last=Bordonaro |first=Greg |date=February 1, 2010 |title=Booming Bob's {{!}} Homegrown TV Ads And Product Value Doubles Furniture Seller's Growth |language=en-US |work=Hartford Business Journal |url=http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20100201/PRINTEDITION/302019999/booming-bobs--homegrown-tv-ads-and-product-value-doubles-furniture-sellers-growth |access-date=January 19, 2018}}

In Q1 of 2014, Bob's Discount Furniture was acquired by Bain Capital, though its current management team continued to own a significant stake in the company.{{Cite press release |title=Bob's Discount Furniture to Be Acquired by Bain Capital |date=December 30, 2013 |publisher=Business Wire |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131230005166/en/Bobs-Discount-Furniture-Acquired-Bain-Capital#.U_OGhfldXHU |accessdate=January 3, 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Abrams |first=Rachel |date=December 30, 2013 |title=Bain to Buy Control of Bob's Discount Furniture |language=en |work=New York Times |department=DealBook |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/12/30/bain-to-buy-control-of-bobs-discount-furniture/ |access-date=January 19, 2018}} In 2016, Michael Skirvin was promoted from president and COO to president and CEO, replacing English who remained with the company as executive chairman.{{Cite news |last=Troy |first=Mike |date=March 10, 2016 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture names CEO |language=en-US |work=Chain Store Age |url=https://www.chainstoreage.com/article/bobs-discount-furniture-names-ceo/ |url-status=dead |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828034042/https://www.chainstoreage.com/news/bobs-discount-furniture-names-ceo/ |archive-date=August 28, 2018}} In June 2020, Skirvin retired and English became interim CEO. In October 2020 the position was permanently filled by William Barton, formerly of California Closets.{{Cite magazine |last=Elliott |first=Adelaide |date=October 13, 2020 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture taps former California Closets exec as new president, CEO |url=https://www.furnituretoday.com/welcome-ad/?retUrl=/furniture-retailing/bobs-discount-furniture-taps-former-california-closets-exec-as-new-president-ceo/ |access-date=April 7, 2022 |magazine=Furniture Today}}

Advertising

Bob's Discount Furniture is a prolific advertiser on both television and radio.{{Cite press release |title=Bob's Discount Furniture Kicks Off "Celebrate the Arts Contest" |date=September 11, 2007 |publisher=Furniture World |url=https://www.furninfo.com/furniture-industry-news-archive/7994 |access-date=April 30, 2020 |author=Bob's Discount Furniture}} In 1997, the company was broadcasting roughly 500 commercials a week in Connecticut on network and cable television stations. By 2006, the commercials had become common during broadcasts of Boston Red Sox and New York Mets games.{{Cite news |last=Aucoin |first=Don |date=July 8, 2006 |title=Bigmouth Strikes Again |page=C3 |work=Boston Globe |department=Living}} The commercials usually feature company president Bob Kaufman, typically wearing jeans and a golf shirt or turtleneck, and have also included employees such as Cathy Poulin, the company's Director of Public Relations.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Evan |date=September 4, 2015 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture arrives at Broadcasting Square |language=en |work=Reading Eagle |url=http://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/bobs-discount-furniture-arrives-at-broadcasting-square |access-date=January 19, 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Fillo |first=Maryellen |date=September 23, 2006 |title=Is Bob's Sidekick Gone? I Doubt It! |page=D2 |work=Hartford Courant |department=Life |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/1135207781.html?dids=1135207781:1135207781&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+23%2C+2006&author=MARYELLEN+FILLO&pub=Hartford+Courant&edition=&startpage=D.2&desc=IS+BOB%27S+SIDEKICK+GONE%3F+I+DOUBT+IT! |url-status=dead |access-date=September 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801072918/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/doc/257074208.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep%2023,%202006&author=MARYELLEN%20FILLO&pub=Hartford%20Courant&edition=&startpage=D.2&desc=IS%20BOB%27S%20SIDEKICK%20GONE?%20I%20DOUBT%20IT! |archive-date=August 1, 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Gomez |first=Michael |date=March 20, 2000 |title=It's Bob's World, We Just Sit in It |work=Business New Haven |url=http://www.conntact.com/archive_index/archive_pages/1839_Business_New_Haven.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412041316/http://www.conntact.com/archive_index/archive_pages/1839_Business_New_Haven.html |archive-date=April 12, 2015}} Starting in 2004, by "Little Bob", a miniature version of Bob Kaufman, frequently appeared in the company's commercials.{{Cite news |last=Lazare |first=Lewis |date=January 19, 2016 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture invades Chicago market with multiple stores and goofy ads |work=Chicago Business Journal |publisher=Business Journals |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2016/01/19/bobs-discount-furniture-invades-chicago-market.html |access-date=January 19, 2018}} The advertisements have been frequently described as wacky and goofy often containing catch phrases describing their "untouchable value".{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Claire |date=August 3, 2016 |title=A 'No Phony Gimmicks' Guy |language=en-US |work=75th Anniversary |publisher=University of Connecticut School of Business |url=https://75th.business.uconn.edu/2016/08/03/a-no-phony-gimmicks-guy/ |access-date=January 19, 2018}}

Through corporate sponsorship programs, Bob's Discount Furniture has worked with several professional sports teams, including the New England Patriots,{{Cite web |last=Fiske |first=Angelique |date=August 14, 2018 |title=Patriots and Bob's donate 200 beds to kids in need |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-bob-s-discount-furniture-surprise-kids-in-need-with-new-beds |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=New England Patriots |language=en-US}} Pittsburgh Steelers,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.steelers.com/video/bringing-support-and-furniture-to-those-who-need-it |title=Bringing support – and furniture – to those who need it |language=en-US |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=Pittsburgh Steelers}} New York Giants,{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2014 |title=Meet Giants alumni at Bob's Discount Furniture |url=https://www.giants.com/news/meet-giants-alumni-at-bob-s-discount-furniture-12900935 |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=New York Giants |language=en-US}} Los Angeles Chargers,{{Cite magazine |date=October 18, 2017 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture enters Los Angeles market with 6 stores in 2018 |url=https://www.furnituretoday.com/business-news/bobs-discount-furniture-enters-los-angeles-market-6-stories-2018/ |language=en-US |access-date=May 16, 2019 |magazine=Furniture Today}} and Los Angeles Galaxy.{{Cite web |title=Bob's Discount Furniture |url=https://www.lagalaxy.com/club/partners/bobs-discount-furniture |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516200135/https://www.lagalaxy.com/club/partners/bobs-discount-furniture |archive-date=May 16, 2019 |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=LA Galaxy}}

Stores

File:Bobs Discount Furniture store.jpg]]

{{As of|2024|11}}, Bob's Discount Furniture has 189 locations in 24 US states.{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Brianna |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture opening third Minnesota store in Roseville |work=Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal |publisher=Business Journals |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2022/03/17/bobs-discount-furniture-roseville.html |access-date=April 7, 2022}} The majority of these are in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and West Coast regions.{{Cite press release |title=Bob's Discount Furniture Promotes Michael Skirvin to President & CEO |date=March 10, 2016 |publisher=Business Wire |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160310005368/en/Bob%E2%80%99s-Discount-Furniture-Promotes-Michael-Skirvin-President |access-date=April 28, 2016}}{{Cite news |last=Gowen |first=Samantha |date=October 20, 2017 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture coming to Southern California with 6 stores planned for 2018 |work=Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2017/10/20/bobs-discount-furniture-coming-to-southern-california-with-6-stores-planned-for-2018/ |access-date=January 18, 2018}}

After its original markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, its Midwest expansion came in the wake of H.H. Gregg's sudden liquidation, allowing Bob's to purchase the leases for the bankrupt retailer's former locations.{{Cite news |last=Ford-Stewart |first=Jane |date=February 7, 2017 |title=Big discount furniture chain opening soon in Greenfield |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/greenfield/2017/02/07/big-discount-furniture-chain-opening-soon-greenfield/89529064/ |access-date=March 27, 2019}} The company expanded to the West Coast in February 2018, picking up leases of former Sport Chalet and Sports Authority stores that closed in 2016.{{Cite news |last=Dehnel |first=Chris |date=February 9, 2018 |title=Bob's Furniture Coming on Down to the West Coast |language=en-US |work=Patch |department=Manchester, CT |url=https://patch.com/connecticut/manchester/bobs-furniture-coming-down-west-coast |access-date=April 18, 2018}} Around July 2020, Bob's expanded to the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Brandon |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture to open four Phoenix-area stores |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2020/07/30/bob-s-discount-furniture-open-first-phoenix-stores.html |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=Phoenix Business Journal |publisher=Business Journals}}

Bob's Discount Furniture locations include an in-store cafe with complimentary refreshments.{{Cite news |last=Swanson |first=Lorraine |date=February 10, 2016 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture Opens in Burbank |language=en-US |work=Patch |department=Oak Lawn, IL |url=https://patch.com/illinois/oaklawn/bobs-discount-furniture-opens-burbank |access-date=January 19, 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Michael |date=February 15, 2017 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture opens at Regency Mall |language=en |work=Journal Times |url=http://journaltimes.com/business/local/bob-s-discount-furniture-opens-at-regency-mall/article_4eb67b05-a453-5cb8-bc14-a39c781ac180.html |access-date=January 19, 2018}} Some stores also have a back room with products that are considered imperfect; this area is called "The Outlet".{{cn|date=April 2022}}

Community involvement

Bob's Discount Furniture donates over $2.75 million per year to charitable causes through two initiatives, the Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation and Bob’s Outreach program.{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://bobscares.org/about/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070629/http://www.bobscares.org/index.php?id=2828&title=about-us |archive-date=January 20, 2018 |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=Bob's Cares}} Through these efforts, the company has supported March of Dimes,{{Cite press release |title=Ready. Set. March for Babies! |date=April 7, 2015 |url=https://www.marchofdimes.org/news/ready-set-march-for-babies.aspx |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=March of Dimes}} Autism Speaks,{{Cite web |title=Bob's Discount Furniture |url=https://www.autismspeaks.org/bobs-discount-furniture |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=Autism Speaks |language=en}} Special Olympics,{{Cite press release |title=Bob's Discount Furniture presents $75k Check to Special Olympics |date=June 26, 2017 |publisher=Furniture Today |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/544148-bobs-discount-furniture-presents-75k-check-special-olympics/ |access-date=January 19, 2018}} Save the Children,{{Cite magazine |date=January 27, 2015 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture gives $45,000 to Save the Children |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/515776-bobs-discount-furniture-gives-45000-save-children/ |access-date=January 19, 2018 |website=Furniture Today}} and Camp Rising Sun.{{Cite magazine |last=Bienenstock |first=Russell |date=September 25, 2012 |title=Charitable Giving Series: Bob's Creative Giving |url=http://www.furninfo.com/furniture-world-articles/3392 |edition=September/October |volume=142 |issue=5 |access-date=January 19, 2018 |magazine=Furniture World}}{{Cite web |title=KIDS: Resources for Parents |url=https://www.ct.gov/kids/cwp/view.asp?a=2574&q=433958 |access-date=2019-05-16 |website=State of Connecticut |department=ConneCT Kids}} It has also been recognized by the American Red Cross for its financial contributions and sponsored blood drives,{{Cite magazine |date=June 29, 2005 |title=Red Cross salutes Bob's Discount |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/CA622266.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610150853/http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/CA622266.html |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |access-date=September 14, 2007 |magazine=Furniture Today}}{{Cite web |title=Bob Squad History |url=http://www.mybobssquad.com/history/default.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911212304/http://www.mybobssquad.com/history/default.asp |archive-date=September 11, 2007 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=The Bob Squad}} some in partnership with professional American football teams including the New England Patriots{{Cite news |date=December 4, 2013 |title=Bob's Discount, Red Cross, New England Patriots Team Up for Blood Drive |language=en-US |work=Home Furnishings News |url=https://www.hfndigital.com/industry-news/bobs-discount-red-cross-new-england-patriots-team-up-for-blood-drive/ |access-date=April 30, 2020}} and New York Giants.{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2014 |title=Giants hosting annual blood drive Saturday |url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-hosting-annual-blood-drive-Saturday/81c5dea1-e36e-4c80-b4a1-41f71db64ae5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104015434/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-hosting-annual-blood-drive-Saturday/81c5dea1-e36e-4c80-b4a1-41f71db64ae5 |archive-date=January 4, 2018 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |website=New York Giants}}

Through the company’s Random Acts of Kindness program, funds are donated to local schools and programs for children following the opening of a new store.{{Cite news |last=Bong |first=Bob |date=February 2, 2016 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture set to open 5 stores |language=en-US |work=Chicago Tribune |department=Daily Southtown |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-stc-comings-and-goings-st-0204-20160202-story.html |access-date=2019-05-16}}{{Cite web |last=Asaba |first=Jeni |date=June 28, 2008 |title=Bob's Furniture donates laptops to M.S. 206 |url=https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2008/26/doc48664b95e8cdd396794004.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516200124/https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2008/26/doc48664b95e8cdd396794004.html |archive-date=May 16, 2019 |access-date=May 16, 2019 |website=Bronx Times |language=en}} It also operated a charity fundraising event for over 30 years to raise funds for a number of non-profit charities, including Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Family & Children’s Aid, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and Camp Rising Sun.{{Cite press release |title=Bob's Discount Furniture announces 30th Annual Golf Outing |date=June 5, 2017 |publisher=Furniture Today |url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/543630-bobs-discount-furniture-announces-30th-annual-golf-outing |access-date=January 19, 2018}} The company collects and matches in-store donations from its customers through its Café Collections for a Cause program which supports non-profit charities including Autism Speaks,{{Cite news |date=August 10, 2015 |title=Bob's Discount Furniture donates $100,000 to Autism Speaks |work=Hartford Business Journal |url=https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/bobs-discount-furniture-donates-100000-to-autism-speaks |access-date=May 16, 2019}} Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation,{{Cite news |last=Dehnel |first=Chris |date=November 30, 2018 |title=Bob's Furniture/Alex's Lemonade Stand Campaign Nets $85,000 |language=en |work=Patch |department=Manchester, CT |url=https://patch.com/connecticut/manchester/bobs-furniture-alexs-lemonade-stand-campaign-nets-85-000 |access-date=May 16, 2019}}{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Quoron |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Alex's Lemonade Stand Debuts At Bob's Discount Furniture |work=Hartford Courant |url=https://www.courant.com/community/manchester/hc-mr-manchester-alexs-lemonade-bobs-0719-20180718-story.html |access-date=May 16, 2019}} and the Special Olympics.{{Cite news |last=Ameden |first=Danielle |date=April 15, 2016 |title=Special Olympics athletes compete in MetroWest Schools Games |work=Natick Bulletin and Tab |publisher=Wicked Local |url=http://natick.wickedlocal.com/article/20160415/NEWS/160416705 |access-date=April 28, 2016}}