As Hardin’s Furniture enters our 78th year, we continue to move forward with the same principals that Joe and Virginia started in 1949. Joe often said that you can’t do business on a one-time basis. You must depend on customers coming back and recommending you to their friends and families. We know people have other options, so it is a trust that is earned, and isn’t taken lightly. Hardin’s so greatly appreciates our customers, both old and new, and looks forward to serving you for years to come.
– Tal Hardin, President
Our History
1935
Coming off the family farm, Joe Hardin moved to Asheboro in 1935 to pursue new career opportunities. He tried his hand in a variety of fields including insurance, hosiery and agriculture. It wasn’t until he began working for Clyde Lucas at Southern Goods that he found his true calling as a furniture salesman.
1948
In the late 1940s, Joe partnered with Jimmy Phillips. Together they opened Ideal Furniture, Joe’s first business venture. Although Jimmy and Joe were good friends, the partnership did not last long – Jimmy was more interested in appliances and Joe was passionate about furniture. Eventually, the two split and Joe opened Hardin’s Furniture House at 305 W. Kivett St.
1949
Joe’s goal was to sell quality furniture at discount prices. The young entrepreneur recruited Carl Cox, a McCrary retiree, for delivery help. He also recruited his wife, Virginia, as an interior decorator. Although Virginia had a degree in Home Economics, she didn’t consider herself qualified for the job. She took a correspondence course in Interior Design from an institute in Chicago. Although the position was supposed to be temporary (according to Joe, it was “just until I get my feet on the ground”), Virginia worked at Hardin’s for many years and helped countless individuals with their interior decorating needs.
1970
Joe and Virginia’s son, Tal, graduated from Appalachian State University in 1970. The store was incorporated that same year with Joe as the President, Tal as the Vice President and Virginia as the Secretary. Tal’s wife, Gay, took over the bookkeeping duties in 1976 and has continued in that capacity for nearly 50 years.
1995
Joe and Virginia worked tirelessly until their retirement in the early 1990s. Tal and Gay’s son, Brian, joined the store in 1995. Brian recognized the need for a reliable household moving company in Asheboro. He helped established Hardin’s as a fully licensed household mover, while continuing to work as a furniture salesman.
Present
Brian’s son, Christopher, is the fourth generation to work at Hardin’s. His youngest son, Landon, is still in High School, but also assists with moves and deliveries. Wendi Crouse completed her Interior Design program at RCC in 1990 and has been with the store ever since.