“We started it with water beds” — Vista icon Whit-Ash Furnishings set to close after 52 years

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — One of the first stores to open on Gervais street will be closing its doors after 52 years in business.

Brothers Whitney and Gerry Black founded Whit-Ash Furnishings in 1972.

“We started it with water beds,” Whitney laughs, saying, “and we were in the Five Points area in a very small showroom.”

They moved the store to Gervais Street a year later.

“The street was great. You could see the Capitol from the front door. Nobody was here. There were empty warehouses, nobody was here and we could rent much cheaper here than you could in the shopping malls,” he says.

The now iconic store grew from there — currently spanning 41,000 square feet, offering an array of furniture and accessories.

“I’ve sold the parents, the children, the grandchildren. I mean it’s been incredible to watch our customers grow up,” he says.

Whitney also shared stories of his life before the furniture business  — having worked as a photographer for The State newspaper — his work published in Newsweek.

And both brothers serving in the military.

Known as founders of the Vista, the brothers say they’ve dedicated their lives to serving both their country and their community.

“There comes a time in everybody’s life you just have to try to relax a little bit, and I’m ready to try to relax,” Whitney says.

But saying goodbye is bittersweet for the brothers.

“So we’ve had a great store, and our customers have been so good, and our employees are fantastic. And we just tried to treat people the way you’d want to be treated, the way I want to be treated,” he says.

Whit-Ash will remain open in the weeks to come until the last pieces in the store are sold.