CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A local furniture store in Aransas Pass is churning out high-quality handmade pieces using large trees or wood that would normally end up in the landfill.
Inside Lancaster's Furniture store, residents will not find pre-manufactured materials because the owner is committed to keeping it local and authentic.
"I think part of the success is the people who do buy from us and realize how important it is to keep it local how that dollar moves thru the community several times versus sending it to some other country," said Owner Herbert Lancaster, Lancaster’s Furniture
Lancaster moved overseas after he had to close his previous furniture manufacturing centers in Houston and Cuero. He had previously built fixtures for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Cabela's.
"After the sub prime mortgage collapse in 2008, I had to dissolve those other businesses manufacturing for store fixtures in particular went overseas, China in particular," he said.
Lancaster decided to rely on his experience and start building furniture. He put his name on the store instead of focusing on branding and design for others. Now, he has a thriving business here in Aransas Pass off of East Good Night Ave. just down from the HEB. His business has survived by word of mouth. Recently, the Texas Bucket List show spotlighted his business.
"I guess this is the grace of the good Lord, above or osmosis or word of mouth he interviewed us," he said.
The high-quality work Lancaster produces caught the attention of many other residents, such as Don and Tracey Carroll. They came in to pick up some of the handmade pieces they bought, including a table which will help to decorate their new home in Arkansas.
"Herb sold us on that piece of wood," she said. "It was felled on his ranch out near where Santa Anna was captured. So, we wanted to bring a little bit of taxes to a new home in Arkansas.”
So, if residents are looking for handmade furniture or works from local artists, this is the place to visit. Furthermore, currently, 50 percent of the wood is salvaged from trees that would otherwise be burned or sent to the landfill. Lancaster said he's aiming to increase this to 80 percent in the future, with the hope that more people will choose to support his business.
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