Nebraska Furniture Mart, commonly known as NFM, operates as a retail giant that defies standard shopping conventions. Founded in 1937 by Rose Blumkin—universally remembered as "Mrs. B"—with a modest $500 investment, the company has grown into a multi-billion-dollar subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. Rather than functioning as a standard neighborhood storefront, NFM occupies massive multi-acre campuses that combine vast showrooms with on-site distribution warehouses. Shoppers navigating these mega-stores find massive selections of furniture, flooring, major appliances, and consumer electronics under one roof.
Understanding how to approach shopping at NFM requires looking beyond standard retail habits. Because these locations span hundreds of thousands—and in some cases over a million—square feet of retail and warehouse space, walking in without a strategy can quickly overwhelm anyone. This guide breaks down the physical layout, the legacy of its founders, practical navigation strategies, and essential tips to help you secure the best value on your next home upgrade.
The Origin Story and Berkshire Hathaway Partnership
The retail philosophy behind NFM traces back directly to Rose Blumkin's core motto: "Sell cheap and tell the truth." Arriving in the United States as an immigrant from Belarus, Mrs. B built her enterprise through relentless hard work and aggressive volume pricing. By cutting out unnecessary markups and keeping overhead lean, she transformed a basement operation into the largest home furnishings store in North America.
In 1983, legendary investor Warren Buffett recognized the unique efficiency of the business model. Berkshire Hathaway purchased a majority stake in NFM following a famously brief negotiation sealed with a handshake rather than a protracted corporate audit. Buffett frequently cites Mrs. B as one of the most remarkable business minds in American history. Even after the acquisition, Mrs. B continued working daily well past her one-hundredth birthday, cementing a corporate culture focused on high-volume inventory and straightforward customer service. To read more about the context of this, Associated Press provides an informative breakdown.
Exploring the Major NFM Store Campuses
Unlike typical regional furniture chains that rely on small showrooms and off-site distribution hubs, NFM integrates massive retail displays directly with warehouse storage. This layout lets customers view items in person and frequently pick up purchases immediately.
The Omaha Flagship Campus
The original location on South 72nd Street in Omaha, Nebraska, spans a massive multi-acre campus. It houses the main furniture showroom, a dedicated electronics and appliance center, flooring departments, and Mrs. B’s Clearance Center & Factory Outlet. Over the decades, the Omaha footprint expanded to encompass roughly 78 acres, making it a staple destination for regional home buyers.
The Colony, Texas Mega-Center
Opening its doors in May 2015, the location in The Colony, Texas (in the northern Dallas metroplex) stands as the largest retail store in the company's portfolio. Boasting hundreds of thousands of square feet of showroom floor paired with over a million square feet of adjacent warehouse space, this campus serves as a primary retail anchor for the region. Additional regional footprints include locations in Kansas City, Kansas, and Clive, Iowa, each tailored to regional consumer demands while maintaining the core mega-store concept.
What You Can Buy: Department Breakdown
Navigating an NFM campus means exploring several distinct retail zones. Knowing what each department offers helps streamline a visit:
- Living Room and Bedroom Furniture: From modular sectional sofas and solid-wood dining tables to complete bedroom collections and ergonomic home office setups.
- Appliances: Major kitchen and laundry suites, including refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers, and dryers from top national brands.
- Electronics: High-definition and 4K televisions, audio systems, smart home devices, computers, and gaming accessories.
- Flooring and Rugs: Extensive selections of hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, ceramic tile, wall-to-wall carpeting, and imported area rugs.
- Outlets and Clearance: Dedicated clearance areas featuring floor models, closeouts, and discounted factory-sealed overstock items.
Practical Strategies for Shopping a Mega-Store
Walking into a retail space that spans multiple football fields requires a tactical approach. To make the most of your time and budget, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Measure Twice Before You Go: Bring exact room dimensions, entry point widths, and ceiling heights. Because NFM carries oversized items, confirming that a sofa or refrigerator will physically fit through your doorways prevents costly delivery complications.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will easily log several miles of walking if you attempt to browse every department. Dress for endurance rather than fashion.
- Map Your Priorities Online: Check the official NFM website before leaving home. Look up specific item availability, model numbers, and aisle locations so you can head directly to the right department.
- Inquire About Delivery vs. Warehouse Pickup: While immediate on-site pickup is a major convenience, heavy items require appropriate vehicle capacity. Evaluate whether home delivery and professional assembly services fit your timeline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Shoppers often stumble when visiting massive home goods retailers for the first time. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Underestimating the Time Commitment: Budgeting only thirty minutes for a visit usually leads to rushing. Give yourself at least two to three hours for a thorough furniture or appliance evaluation.
- Ignoring Stock Status: Seeing an item on the showroom floor doesn't automatically mean it's currently stocked for immediate warehouse pickup. Always verify stock status with a sales associate.
- Overlooking Financing and Rewards Programs: NFM offers specific promotional financing tiers and reward card options that can lower the net cost of large appliance or furniture packages. Always ask an associate about active promotional terms before finalizing a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up furniture on the same day I buy it?
Yes. Most items in stock at the primary distribution warehouses can be loaded into your vehicle on the same day. Sales associates provide clear directions to the warehouse loading docks following your purchase.
Are prices negotiable at Nebraska Furniture Mart?
Prices are fixed based on their everyday low-cost model. However, the store routinely runs promotional sales, holiday events, and clearance markdowns, particularly through Mrs. B’s Clearance Center.
How do I handle warranty service for appliances purchased here?
NFM partners directly with major manufacturers to honor standard factory warranties. They also offer extended protection plans through third-party providers for added peace of mind on electronics and major appliances.
Is delivery available if I live out of state?
Delivery zones vary by location. While core metropolitan areas surrounding each campus enjoy full delivery and setup services, long-distance shipping options depend on the specific product category and destination. Check current regional delivery guidelines directly with customer service.
