Lismore has a new furniture and bedding store on Molesworth Street. Cummings Furniture Court opened today.

The idea was born after the February 2022 flood, followed by some serious planning, and the last six months have been spent creating a retail space that fits a Lismore CBD environment.

The Cummings family has been part of the Lismore business community since the 1980s. The company was founded by current owner Elton Cummings' father Anzac, in 1948. Elton has seen and experienced all kinds of floods, but nothing has killed his belief in the Lismore CBD.

To prove that, the Cummings family has invested more money into fixing up the Molesworth Street building, which included asbestos removal, installing a service lift to transport products onto the mezzanine level when a flood hits, and putting down a new epoxy concrete floor of a kind that hasn't been seen in the Northern Rivers. The walls have been cleaned, dried, and twice coated, and they have that stripped-back industrial look that so many CBD buildings have now.

(The stripped-back industrial look of the new Cummings Furniture Court on Molesworth Street)

"We should never have to worry about floods in there," Elton said, then had a wry smile before saying, "We always worry about floods, but it should come in and go out without much problem. We've got holes in the floor, so the water runs straight out. All the power points are above '74 and even the wiring in the ceiling is above '22. We've actually mounted it to the top of the ceiling, which the water didn't get to. So, in the event of a very large flood, the wires will just drop down. There's no need to go back and rewire the whole building again. All our power boxes and security and the things that you had down low are all up on the second floor.

When the next flood hits, it is a matter of lifting the majority of furniture onto the mezzanine level, wait until the water subsides, then hose out and re-stock the floor.

"We can probably lift three-quarters of the stock. We won't get all the mattresses up, but we'll get most of the furniture up. But that's yet to be seen. We will have to wait and see how we go. The mattresses will be taken away a couple of days prior to the flood anyway. We've been here since the 80s, and we've never lost anything up to the last flood. So, we're suitably prepared now, I hope."

While work is not 100% complete due to delays, Cummings Bi-Rite and Furniture Court is open for a "soft launch".

Another delay is the shop signage.

"That won't go up until the work on the awning has been completed. It's not as simple as putting a bit of iron and fibro on to make it work; it's quite involved. That will probably take another four or five weeks.

Importantly, even a soft launch means specials and discounts for the people of Lismore and the surrounding area.

"Yes, yes," Elton said quickly, "We were able to obtain discounts from our manufacturers for our lounges, bedding, and mattresses. We've done some fabulous deals to pass on to people. I was very pleased with the deals that we were able to get for opening specials, so they're available now."

"The specials are many and varied. For example, we have a large range of La Z Boy lounge suites, rocker recliners and electric lift chairs in leather and fabric at great opening specials. Come in and speak to our friendly furniture and bedding specialist.

Elton had more good news.

These are the 'soft opening' specials, but there will be more to come when the 'grand opening' occurs in August.

"As I mentioned before, there are some slight hold-ups with awning works and signage, but we are close.

It's been a long journey for the Cummings family, Elton and his team, but now they can see the finishing line is not far away.

"I'm really pleased with the result and the look of the place. We're over budget, but this was an investment in Lismore. You invest in the town, and the town rewards you.

"There's a need for a quality furniture and bedding store in town, and we believe people will shop in Lismore. They're loyal, and they don't want to go to other towns to buy their products. People have been saying they're very proud of the shop, and they're very proud that Lismore has another new business opening."

Cummins Bi-Rite and Furniture Court is at 47 Molesworth Street, next to the Centre Church. There trading hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm and Saturday 8:30am to 2pm.