This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah's venerable RC Willey furniture store has been named the number one overall furniture retailer and top regional chain by Home Furnishings Business magazine in its third annual power 50 ranking for 2013.
The furniture giant, which has locations in California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah, received the top rankings based on its retail sales volume, market share, social media power and furniture industry leaders' votes.
The company was founded in 1932 by Rufus Call Willey, who opened his first store in 1954. In addition to home furniture, the store sells electronics, appliances, mattresses and flooring and employs more than 2,000 employees.
It is currently building its largest store, a new 160,000-square foot store in Draper slated to open in the spring of 2014.
The magazine is a business and strategy magazine dedicated to the home-furnishings industry.
"It's exciting and with great honor to be recognized at number one in this power ranking," said RC Willey CEO Scott Hymas. "We pride ourselves on our exceptional selection, value and professional associates that truly care about our customers. It's nice to be ranked number one, but putting customers number one is what really matters."
The company said that its aggressive social media campaigns played a big role in helping it receive the top ranking. The store used Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social media to ensure contact with customers.
Twitter: @TribTomWharton