Grand Home Furnishings began a refreshing tradition back in 1953, when the store handed out its first glass bottle of Coca-Cola to each customer at their grand opening. Sixty years later, the tradition continues at each of Grand Home Furnishings’ 17 store locations.
The tradition was celebrated last week as Coca-Cola Consolidated presented Grand Home Furnishings a lithograph of an original piece from the official Coca-Cola archives to thank them for their long standing partnership. The “Hospitality” photo dates back to 1948 in Coca-Cola advertising. It depicts friends sitting on furniture, enjoying Coca-Cola in a glass bottle.
“In 1953 my grandfather, George Cartledge, Sr. had the vision to welcome customers into our stores with a refreshing Coca-Cola, just as you would welcome someone into your home,” said Robert Bennett, Grand Home Furnishings’ Executive Vice President. “It’s a tradition at Grand that generations of customers always remember.”
“We are honored to be a part of the history of Grand Home Furnishings’ beloved tradition of refreshing their customers with a glass bottle Coca-Cola, and with this piece of historic memorabilia, we share part of our history with them.” said Bill Elmore, Vice Chairman at CCBCC. “It speaks volumes to Grand Home Furnishings’ commitment to their customers that this tradition has lived on for 60 years, and we love that each customer leaves the store with a Coke and a smile.”