Clarenville Home & Leisure

Clarenville Home & Leisure opened its doors in 2015, under what was then the Sears Franchise. They began with 5000 square foot store front and 4000 square feet warehouse space. Their staffing compliment was Peter, one other permanent employee and close family members who helped when they could. Unfortunately, after three years the Sears Franchise closed nationally, giving them the opportunity, to expand under their own banner. They started as a small furniture/ appliance business with limited space and customer base.

Under Peter’s leadership, experience, and motivation it is no surprise that they quickly expanded. Peter has 35+ years’ experience in business which began at the young age of 15 years. His many years in management positions, of various wholesale and retail organizations, prepared them for the opportunity to take the risk and become small business owners/ operators. Within the last eight years there have been long hours and tough days, but they got through it.

Today, they are a home and leisure-based business supplying furniture, appliances, hot tubs, fabrics, wool and sewing notions. They regularly service all areas from Glovertown to Southern Harbour and Bonavista to Grand Bank. They have expanded their store front to 10,500 square feet and the warehouse to 19, 000 square feet. In addition, they have purchased an additional warehouse to stock extra furniture and appliances. Peter’s motto “If we don’t have it, we can’t sell it.”

Clarenville Home & Leisure currently employ seven full-time people and four part-time employees. The employees are their greatest asset with a great work ethic and provide the customers with the best service possible. As a local business they are proud to support various employment programs, such as Ability Employment, and student grants. These programs greatly benefit both the sponsoring business and the participants. The benefits of the financial salary-based support for the small business- and job-related experience for the participants is very favorable for all participants.

Their customer base has flourished due to their commitment to customer service and satisfaction. They now do regular weekly deliveries to the Burin and Bonavista peninsulas. They strive to assist the customer concerns in a timely manner; with, having a furniture repair person on contract. In addition, Peter will not hesitate to contact any of the suppliers with customer complaints and/or concerns. Within their fabric department they provide a loyalty program for the quilting customers and host a quilting retreat yearly.

The retreat has grown in popularity and beginning this year they are hosting two retreats. Peter and Judy take pride in their customer service and greatly appreciate the numerous occasions when customers recognize their commitment to them with thank-you cards and positive reviews on their social media platforms. The use of social media platforms has assisted them with marketing and promotional achievements. Clarenville Home & Leisure website is constantly upgraded and under expansion. In addition, they regularly use Facebook and Instagram. Their marketing and promotional achievements have been recognized through various rewards from their suppliers, but most importantly through their increased customer base and positive feedback from new and existing customers.

They regularly support local sports organizations, community based and individual fundraising initiatives. They offer financial support in addition to non-monetary support; along with two scholarships to the Clarenville High School Graduate Scholarship Program each year.

As a small local business, they promote “shop local.” However, using the same methodology they pride themselves in supporting local. The Clarenville Area and surrounding communities and its people are their greatest resource, they are very appreciative of their customers, and they strive to treat them with dignity and respect.

Their Motto, “We are not in this business to become millionaires, we are here to make a living.”

Emergency Contacts
RCMP: 466-3211
Fire Department: 466-7777
Ambulance: 466-3468
Hospital: 466-3411
Poison Control: 1-800-722-1110
Mental Health Crisis: 1-888-737-4668

Photography by Paul Tilley.