Bradford residents are about to get a whole new way to furnish their homes.
Freidun and Faridah Ramsie are hosting the grand opening of their store New Mega Furniture at 11 Holland St. E. in Bradford on Oct. 28 at 2 p.m., including door-crasher prices on Turkish rugs for $199.
“That’s like a $1,000 value,” Faridah Ramsie said.
The store offers a range of household furniture for child or adult bedrooms, family rooms and living rooms, and while the current trend is towards more contemporary design, Ramsie said they can carry any style if that’s what the customer wants, plus they offer delivery as well.
With more than 28 years of experience in the furniture business, Ramsie said she and her husband were drawn to Bradford by the opportunity.
“I did a little bit of research and there aren’t a lot of furniture stores nearby, so I thought ‘why not?’ I have experience, so let’s use it and be part of the service for our community,” she said, adding that it’s her passion to offer good quality items at a reasonable price with good customer service.
The industry veteran has more than just experience though, as two recent trips to Turkey allowed her bring back 150 rugs, and two containers filled with upscale sofas.
Despite knowing Turkey’s reputation for good-quality rugs and sofas, Ramsie made a point of visitng the factories to make certain before ordering any items.
“I know quality control. I had to make sure when they say solid wood, I have to see it first hand that it is solid wood. The quality has to be there. I’ve been through each piece,” she said, noting the 20 or so sets that she brought back came from four different factories, because some did some things better than others.
Another piece of furniture people might like is the high-quality mattress with a top finished in soft velvet the likes of which would normally be found on a chair or couch.
Those high-end pieces don’t necessarily mean high-end prices, though.
“I try to give people better quality for the same kind of price,” Ramsie said, adding she can also order furniture customers see elsewhere and frequently at a discount too.
While there used to be a New Mega Furniture location in Richmond Hill, it has since closed, which means Ramsie can put all her energy into the Bradford location.
“I don’t want to give it only some attention. I want to to be focused to make it successful and be there for people when they need me,” she said.
Despite not being open yet, some people have already been peeking in and mentioned they like the sofas and the new look inside the store, which was renovated thanks in part to a nearly $24,170 grant from the town’s Downtown Community Improvement Plan (DCIP).
Approved in September of 2022, that included $15,000 for new windows, doors and signage; $9,038 for a new foyer, interior windows housing, inner doors, drywall, and flooring; and $129 to help with permits.
As of Sept. 7, the town had spent $132,683 worth of community improvement funds in 2023, and after funding two applications approved during the Oct. 5 meeting of council, staff estimated the town should have about $275,500 CIP funds remaining for the year.
Thanks to the grant, customers are welcomed into a showroom that is clean, open and bright, with brand new flooring.
In addition, both New Mega Furniture on the ground floor, and Bradford Immigrant and Community Services, now on the upper floor, have their own separate entrances.
“Without their help I don’t think it would have been possible to do all that,” Ramsie said of the town's assistance.
The store is planned to be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
