Confusion Arises as Bob’s Stores Closes, Not Bob’s Discount Furniture
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Recent announcements have caused considerable confusion among residents of Toms River, with many mistakenly believing Bob’s Discount Furniture is going out of business.
However, it is Bob’s Stores, a separate retail entity, that is closing all of its locations. This mix-up has led to a flurry of social media activity and community concern.
Bob’s Discount Furniture, a national furniture retailer, is actually expanding, with a new store underway at 1288 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, marking its first venture into Ocean County. The site, previously home to Gelco Furniture, is currently enclosed by construction fencing as renovations proceed. In May 2023, the Toms River Planning Board approved Onyx of Toms River LLC’s proposal to remodel the building by enclosing the existing 478-square-foot loading dock, without making other significant structural changes.
This development was initially welcomed with signs promoting “New Retail Coming Soon,” which intended to herald the arrival of Bob’s Discount Furniture, not indicate its closure. The confusion between the two similarly named stores has led to unnecessary alarm within the community, with many residents and potential customers mistakenly fearing the loss of the new furniture outlet.
Bob’s Discount Furniture continues to progress with its plans for the Toms River location, which will soon offer a wide range of furniture options to local consumers, further distinguishing itself from the unrelated closing of Bob’s Stores.