Scheffer's adding 'working' showroom

New building as large as current showroom

By Jim Obert

Business Today

SIKESTON -- Scheffer's Office Furniture & Business Machines opened in November 1995 with four employees to successfully launch a mid-market office furniture business.

It was in 1997 that the business began a series of expansions. Satellite offices were opened in Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff, and the Sikeston office had grown to 8,400 square feet of operating space.

In 1998, Scheffer's bought Office Interior & Design; the year before Scheffer's purchased the franchise Office Furniture USA, which specializes in mid-market furniture and features 34 manufacturers such as Paoli, Inwood and Indiana Desk.

By the end of 1998, the Sikeston office had ballooned to almost 14,000 square feet and the company had a workforce of 20 people.

According to the Scheffers, sales growth has continued over the past several years, which has triggered another expansion.

In August, construction began on a 10,800-square-foot building that adjoins the current office furniture and business machines showroom. The grand opening should be in March.

"It will be a 'working' showroom," said Bonnie Scheffer, who manages the furniture division of the business. Steelcase is the primary furniture line carried by Scheffer's.

Scheffer said employees will be working at stations in the showroom so customers can observe the interaction between certain furniture and office machines configurations.

"One section of the showroom will be outfitted as a digital lab where we can show people how to network computers to a copier, fax and printer," said Sonny Scheffer, adding that Canon and Sharp products will be featured in the lab, as well as Riso and Duplo digital duplicators. Scheffer's is an authorized dealer for these lines and has a trained technical staff.

The showroom will also demonstrate to customers how power can be brought to their work stations through the use of power poles, or through the use of power brought in through the floor during new construction.

A conference room will feature a conference table with data lines within the table.

A well-furnished breakroom/kitchen area will be open for view to display breakroom furniture that is available through Scheffer's

Two walls in the working showroom will display art for offices or homes. Customers will be able to sit and view the offerings. Whereas Scheffer's main office furniture line is Steelcase, Scheffer's sells Lane tables, prints and art pieces for home decorating.

Scheffer's recently joined Milliken Carpet to be able to offer commercial carpet to customers.

"We are able to work closely with clients to give them a complete office package," said Bonnie Scheffer, adding that there are plans to host special brunches in the new building. Area designers, school superintendents and others will be invited to see what the business has to offer.

The new working showroom will connect with the current showroom through a spacious hallway with a vaulted ceiling.

BIG -- Bonnie Scheffer said employees will be working at stations in the showroom so customers can observe the interaction between certain furniture and office machines configurations.

PICS -- Sonny and Bonnie Scheffer, owners of Scheffer's Office Furniture & Business Machines in Sikeston, compare notes in the reception area of the building under construction. BT/Jim Obert

The entrance to the new 10,800-square-foot building faces Route H north of Sikeston. The grand opening should be in March.

A spacious hallway with a vaulted ceiling connects the new building with the current showroom.