Bob’s Discount Furniture appoints a new CEO

Growing retailer Bob’s Discount Furniture has a new president and CEO.

The retailer has named Bill Barton to the position, who comes from 11 years as chief executive at California Closets. He will succeed Ted English, who has been in an interim role since Nov. 3 and will remain active with the company as its executive chairman.

Bob’s began in 2015 and has doubled its store count from 60 to 135 locations in its short time. The store has own brand products, including the Bob-o-Pedic mattresses, and is making a name with some clever advertising.

Barton will oversee the Manchester, Conn.-based company that has been investing heavily in e-commerce and institutes “Bob’s Rules” across its stores, focusing on cleanliness, a healthy environment and safety. 

In all, Barton has three decades of experience in retail. At California Closets, a category leader in home organization solutions and a unit of FirstService Brands, which is a subsidiary of FirstService Corp., Barton worked with the leadership team to drive sustained growth by introducing new products and materials, opening the company’s first two U.S. manufacturing plants, launching its e-commerce platform, and creating collaborations with major lifestyle brands including Marquee Brands and Martha Stewart.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to lead Bob’s Discount Furniture and build on the company’s outstanding reputation for delivering great values in furniture and mattresses every day," said Barton. “The team at Bob’s has built an incredible business and driven a remarkable growth story. I am honored and humbled to join as Bob’s next CEO and to work together with the team to realize Bob’s potential as a leader in omnichannel furniture retail.” 

English said the company has been experiencing tremendous growth since it reopened stores and expects the momentum to carry through the holidays and 2021.

“Bill is an exceptional and customer-centric leader with deep retail and home goods experience.  He is the ideal person to work with our talented team to lead Bob’s Discount Furniture through its next phase of growth,” he said.