Through the Ages: A glimpse into the history and success of Jennings Furniture and Design

​The rich culture and history of St Thomas can sometimes be overlooked, with new and modern businesses spotting the old architecture of historic Talbot St. However, one staple of the city that has withstood, continuing a legacy through the years, has been Jennings Furniture & Design, the second-oldest furniture store in Canada.

It all began in 1885 when W.B. (William Brown) Jennings first partnered with Samuel Goodwin to enter the furniture business. Launching their business at the corner of Talbot and Hinks, under the original name ‘Goodwin and Jennings Furniture Company.’ After their partnership dissolved, Jennings continued in the industry, under today’s well-known title at the iconic 3-story building at 432 Talbot Street.​

Goodwin and Jennings Furniture, 1890. (Elgin County Archives.)

A postcard of Jennings, 1900. (Elgin County Archives.) ​

Well known for its high-quality furnishings, Jennings began to prosper into the 20th century. They even sold coffins at the time, with an embalming room rumoured in the basement. However, the new century would soon bring difficulties for the store. The great depression greatly strained the company, with fewer individuals eager to purchase beautifully crafted furnishings. Despite this, the company survived by renting out half of the main floor to other businesses. Jennings continued flourishing as the business was passed down through the generations of the Jennings family in the coming decades.

Jennings in 1975. (Elgin County Archives.) ​

In 2009, the owners, Scott and Bruce Hammond, descendants of W.B. Jennings, approached one of their interior designers, Renee Carpenter, to purchase the store. During this time, despite the recession and job losses that had hit St. Thomas, Carpenter took a leap of faith. After taking over, her focus shifted the merchandise towards modern high-end, luxury and custom pieces, compared to mass-produced big brand names. Carpenter noted that the downsizing of housing through the years, specifically with clientele opting for condominiums and smaller living spaces, would require different furniture needs. This change in tune shifted the interest and specific taste of the customer into the spotlight, bringing back an era bygone of when the store had first opened. 

Keeping with tradition, Carpenter mentions that Jennings continues to provide manufacturers of traditional-styled furnishings for clients amidst the contemporary, modern and transitional pieces. This variety allows each client’s needs and desires to easily be satisfied. Jennings also strives to carry on its legacy through its values, specifically customer service. It is committed to upholding the same quality and service provided to St. Thomas and the surrounding area since 1885.

While quality was never questioned, Jennings rebranded services, adding designers to the team to provide new upscale interior design services to members of the Jennings Club. This change would allow locals to purchase locally rather than opting for designers and services from distant larger areas such as Toronto. 

Even throughout Covid, Carpenter remained dedicated to the store, offering virtual showcasing of products to clients, preparing curb-side deliveries and fashioning the store’s website for online shopping. Her motivation lies in the generations that have run the store before her through wars, pandemics, economic failure and more. Her perseverance drives the store forward through tough times, and her resilience is inspiring. 

Years of dedication and determination have proven fruitful to the store, which has proudly served St. Thomas for 138 years. This store is one of the beautiful jewels of our downtown, giving a glimpse into our past with bright hope for the future. 

Emily Keillor

Born and raised in St. Thomas, Emily is the 2023 Summer Assistant for the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation. Pursuing Paralegal studies at Mohawk College, with a background in History studies at King’s University College, she enjoys exploring the history of yesterday, today and tomorrow in the Railway City.