Since opening its first location in 2004, Southern Home Furnishings added a second store in December and has plans to further expand in the community thanks to an increase in business over the past few months.

"We've had the single best first six months we've had since 2000," owner Don Harkey said. "The furniture industry is driven by housing. Business has been quite remarkable—it's been up 10 to 15 percent this year."

Harkey, a Woodlands resident for almost 20 years, first opened Woodlands Clocks & Gifts in 2000 and later merged operations under one roof to offer furniture and accessories at Southern Home Furnishings four years later. The store's rotating selection of new products appeals to customers both new and old, Harkey said.

E-commerce manager Maryanne Hobbs helps run the company's online functions, selling clocks and specialty gifts, such as fragrances as well as bath and beauty products.

"We have a very loyal customer base that has been buying for years," Hobbs said. "When people come in, they think we're a family. When we have new customers, we feel we give them a very positive experience."

25403 I-45 N., Ste. D

The Woodlands 281-419-8688

www.shfurnishings.com