By Khyomara Santana and Althea Engman
Journal Staff
Sales of furniture and appliances have surged since Typhoon Mawar slammed Guam, causing flooding and other damage to many homes.
Buzz Shiroma, general manager of Townhouse Furniture, said the top selling appliances post-typhoon are washers and dryers. For furniture, Shiroma said it’s mostly mattresses followed by couches.
He said that there has been some movement on refrigerators as well, but second to the laundry appliances, Shiroma added that although customers are waiting for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover damages to their homes, some are paying out of their own pockets because they can’t wait to get these necessities.
“A lot (of customers) are using their money now until FEMA dollars come up, but a lot of them can’t wait for the FEMA dollars, so they just get what they can in the meantime and hopefully they’ll get reimbursed from FEMA,” said Shiroma.
Furniture-Kathy Style has also seen an increase in the sale of certain items after reopening. Anna David, marketing manager, said beds and mattresses have been their top sellers, followed by sofas and loveseats.
She added the store has a vast selection of furniture items in stock and has new shipments every week.
Betterday Guam Home & Furniture store’s employee, Hannah Duenas, said customers have had specific purchases in mind. She said they have been looking for certain items such as drying and clothing racks, as well as dressers.
Customers have also inquired about mattresses and bed sets, but with about a month and a half wait for shipments, Betterday has had low stock on these items. mbj