(Hamilton Masters posting for Mack)
It has been a busy three days since the fire that destroyed the Gallery Furniture warehouse and there is no sign it will be letting up any time soon.
That's why this post is being done on behalf of Mack, who is the busiest of all of the staff at Gallery Furniture.
There was concern that night that the fire would spread to the store and destroy it as well. Thanks to the work of the Houston Fire Department and its brave firefighters, the store survived. There is smoke and water damage of course, and it will be a while before it can be re-opened, but it will be back and better than ever.
Earlier this year Gallery Furniture opened a new store on Post Oak Boulevard. That is the main showroom for the near future.
Friday's main effort was finding temporary warehouse space. By three p.m., Gallery Furniture had a warehouse rented and within minutes crews began unloading trucks that had arrived with new furniture. Overnight, the warehouse was organized and by Saturday morning deliveries were being made from there.
Gallery Furniture was getting phone calls and emails of support even before the fire was out overnight Thursday. Friday morning a Messages to Mack board was set up on the www.GalleryFurniture.com web site and it was immediately overwhelmed with messages. You can read them at the Message Board.
Saturday and Sunday were busy days as the Gallery Furniture staff continued to set up the new warehouse, unload furniture, and load our trucks for deliveries. And seeing lots of customers!
Some of you said you were coming in to show your support of Mack and Gallery Furniture, moving up a planned purchase or deciding to buy furniture instead of something else. Hearing such comments from customers warms our hearts. Mack has shared some of the conversations he's had with customers and there's no doubt he has been moved.
Especially by the young man who came in with money he has been saving to buy an iPod and told Mack "you need it more than I do."
There have been a number of such offers, and people who have sent food, called and asked if they can push a broom at the warehouse or answer the phone, or do anything to help.
You cannot know how much all of your expressions of love and support, and your prayers, mean to Mack, the McIngvale family, and all of the employees.
Thank you, Houston.
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