Carson Mall gaining 1 store, losing 2

Stores are coming and going at the Carson Mall.

Carson Home Furnishings is opening Aug. 24 in the 25,000 square foot Carson Street storefront vacated by Bealls clothing store last year.

The store, owned by Blane Cox, will feature a broad inventory of furniture in different styles and price ranges.

“My target market is anyone who needs furniture,” said Cox. “We’ll have a range of furniture for all budgets.”

This is Cox’s first store after managing two furniture stores for 18 years. He thinks Carson City is ideal for his new venture.

“There are a lot of people here buying furniture out of the area,” said Cox. “I want to give people a reason to buy local.”

Cox said the store will offer no-interest financing, delivery, and removal, all with a low-pressure sales approach.

The store will host a grand opening with catered barbecue on Aug. 25-26.

Carson Home Furnishings hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The store will also be open on Sunday, but the hours aren’t set yet.

At the same time, two Carson Mall stalwarts are closing their doors.

Gordon’s Photo Service is closing at the end of August after 35 years at the location.

“There used to be 14 camera stores and now there’s basically two or three,” said Gordon Allen, owner.

Allen said the industry is changing with people primarily using their cell phones for picture taking. Also, 11 weeks of remodeling at the Carson Mall cut business at the Carson City store, he said, and his lease is up at the end of the month.

Gordon’s Photo Service in Reno at 5067 S. McCarran Blvd. will remain open, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

And The Bead Store is closing on Sept. 15 with the retirement of the store’s owners, Cat and Larry Wahrenbrock.

The store has been in the mall for three years after 10 years in north Carson City and another 10 years on Highway 50 East.

Larry Wahrenbrock said a liquidation sale is now on.

“We want to thank the community for their support,” said Wahrenbrock. “Closing the store is bittersweet.”