Bob’s Discount Furniture, commonly referred to as Bob’s Furniture, is a popular American retail chain that specializes in providing affordable home furnishings. Since its establishment, the company has grown into one of the largest furniture retailers in the United States, with stores across multiple states. But as with any large business, many people are curious about who owns Bob’s Furniture and the story behind its ownership.
The Founding of Bob’s Furniture
Bob’s Discount Furniture was founded in 1991 by Bob Kaufman. The company initially started as a single store in Newington, Connecticut. Kaufman, who was already involved in the furniture business, wanted to create a new kind of furniture store that offered customers high-quality pieces at affordable prices. The concept of Bob’s Furniture was simple yet effective: provide no-frills, discount furniture without sacrificing style or comfort. This approach quickly gained traction, and the company expanded over the years.
The Ownership Journey: From Bob Kaufman to Private Equity
In the early years, Bob Kaufman’s vision and leadership guided the company’s growth. However, in 2006, Bob’s Discount Furniture underwent a significant change in ownership. The company was sold to the private equity firm Bain Capital. This move allowed Bob’s Furniture to continue expanding and growing its reach while benefiting from the additional financial backing that Bain Capital provided.
After the acquisition by Bain Capital, Bob Kaufman remained involved in the business for a while but eventually stepped away. Bain Capital’s investment was instrumental in helping Bob’s Furniture solidify its position as a leading retailer in the furniture industry.
Recent Ownership and Leadership
In 2021, Bob’s Discount Furniture saw another shift in ownership. The company was acquired by a new private equity firm, Catterton Partners (now known as L Catterton), a leading consumer-focused private equity firm. With this new ownership, Bob’s Furniture continues to operate under the same name and retain its commitment to offering affordable, high-quality furniture to customers.
Although the company is now owned by L Catterton, Bob Kaufman’s legacy continues to resonate in the brand’s philosophy. The leadership team at Bob’s Furniture today works to build on the foundation Kaufman created, emphasizing value, quality, and customer service.
Bob’s Furniture Today
As of 2025, Bob’s Discount Furniture operates hundreds of stores across the United States and has a strong online presence. Despite the changes in ownership over the years, the company has managed to stay true to its roots, focusing on providing stylish, functional furniture at a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay at traditional furniture retailers.
In summary, the ownership of Bob’s Furniture has evolved from its original founder, Bob Kaufman, to private equity firms like Bain Capital and L Catterton. Today, it continues to thrive under the guidance of its current ownership, staying true to the vision of offering affordable and stylish home furnishings to a wide range of customers.
While the brand has changed hands a few times since its inception, Bob’s Furniture remains one of the most recognized names in American furniture retail.