Vintage Furniture Store Devastated by Hurricane Helene, Owners Vow to Rebuild
Asheville, North Carolina – Atomic Furnishing & Design, a beloved vintage furniture store owned by Megan and Todd Walsh, has been left in ruins following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. The storm destroyed an estimated 95% of the store’s inventory, leaving the owners facing significant challenges in their efforts to rebuild.
“We’re determined to come back stronger,” said Megan Walsh, expressing her resolve despite the overwhelming destruction.
The Walshes founded Atomic Furnishing & Design nearly 11 years ago, starting with humble beginnings selling vintage furniture from garage sales. Over the years, they expanded from a 500-square-foot space to their current location near Biltmore Village, housing approximately 20 vendors offering a diverse range of items from paintings to vintage records.
The full extent of Hurricane Helene’s impact became apparent when security cameras alerted the couple to the rising floodwaters in their store. With water levels reaching 15 feet inside the building, most of the inventory and essential business equipment were destroyed. The financial loss is estimated to exceed $230,000, including sold products that now require reimbursement.
Despite the devastation, the Walshes have been touched by the outpouring of support from their vendors and the local community. “We feel a deep sense of loss for our vendors, but their sympathy and support have been overwhelming,” Todd Walsh commented.
The couple is actively seeking a new location to continue their business, with a focus on avoiding flood-prone areas. However, their recovery efforts are complicated by the fact that they only had basic insurance and lacked flood coverage.
Amid their struggles, the Walshes remain committed to their community, participating in aid efforts by delivering food and water to those affected by the hurricane.
Looking ahead, the couple plans to sell unfinished inventory online and offer free delivery once power is restored to the area. They remain motivated by their family’s future and the effort they’ve invested in building their business over the past decade.
“Despite everything, we’re focusing on the small moments of joy and resilience within our community,” Megan Walsh said, embodying the spirit of determination that will be crucial in the long road to recovery ahead.
As Asheville begins to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the story of Atomic Furnishing & Design serves as a testament to the resilience of small business owners and the strength of community bonds in times of crisis.
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