Celebrating 60 Years

From cattails and a dirt road to more than 70,000 square feet of fine furniture

Six decades ago, Alex and Emma Berry started a used furniture and antique business at 87 Robie Street in Truro.

Their three boys followed in their footsteps and with hard work and perseverance, they turned their location into an all-new furniture retail store.

Michael Michaud, who married Marianne Berry, spoke highly of his fatherin-law, Don Berry, Alex and Emma’s son.

“He kept many people — including myself — entertained with unbelievable stories of him and his brothers doing most everything in business themselves,” Mike said. Included were tales of night deliveries with a “notso-new, half-ton truck.”

Mike also learned of other ventures, that included selling carpet and electronics. They eventually figured out they could serve their clientele best if they concentrated on good quality furniture and appliances.

It’s a legacy that continues today.

“Obstacles like major floods never dampened the Berry spirit,” says Margaret Berry, Marianne’s mom. “They had their parents’ drive to plod onward no matter what stood in their way.”

Through the years, there was expansion. Then more expansion. And more expansion, yet. This Truro store now boasts 52,000 square feet of showroom on two levels.

Asked what sets Berry’s apart from other bigger stores, Mike said it comes down to the sense of family.

“It has a lot to do with the special understanding only a family business can give,” he says. “They have a long history of serving the public in Truro and surrounding areas.” And as other businesses have come and gone in the community, Mike says, “I see Berry’s as the one constant on Robie Street.”

In the early 2000s, Don Berry became the sole owner of Berry’s Furniture. His son-in-law describes him as “a man driven by change.”

“Ask anyone who has ever worked for him,” he says. “As soon as one project was done, there was a new one on his plate.”

Don’s last venture was constructing a beautiful 27,000-square-foot furniture store in Elmsdale. He spent many long days for almost a year preparing for its opening in March 2017.

“Soon after, health issues kept Don from seeing and enjoying the progress he had made,” Margaret relates. “From home, he kept in contact with the business and continued to offer input as best he could.”

Mike, who by that time was already involved with the business, says Don depended on his wife Peggy — or Margaret, as he liked to call her — along with himself to support him in the dream of continuing as a thriving family business.

“We appreciate the support given by staff, family and friends.” Mike says. “We are still working hard to do the best we can to give that personal touch, only a family owned business can. Don always strived to make his store a comfortable, friendly place to visit.”

Margaret knows Don would have liked very much if he could have had the opportunity to spend more time mentoring Mike and herself. Unfortunately, he passed away in December 2017.

“Don is dearly missed,” she says. “His love for family and Berry’s Furniture was strong and will never be forgotten.”

It is at this time, celebrating their 60th anniversary, that family friends and the community are remembering Don Berry and the ever-growing Berry family business.

”Berry’s Furniture will be honoured to continue giving you, our customers and friends, the best quality service possible,” Mike says, in keeping with the company’s time-honoured tradition.

You can visit Berry’s Furnoture at 87 Robie Street, Truro and 238 Park Road, Elmsdale, exit 8 off Highway 102.

“Our friendly staff awaits you,” Mike adds. “Please ask about our anniversary contest and any of our specials because we love to save you money.”

“They have a long history of serving the public in Truro and surrounding areas. I see Berry’s as the one constant on Robie Street.”