Neal's Homestore has been a fixture of the Okmulgee, Oklahoma, community for three generations. The family-run home furnishings store distinguishes itself through service — to employees, customers and the community. The team volunteers locally, donates to area schools, serves on nonprofit boards, participates in community organizations and helps other small businesses thrive.

“Our success in business has always fueled our community involvement. We're as much a part of this town as it is us," co-owner John Neal said.

Recently, Neal's Homestore was among the winners of The Synchrony Pillars Project Grant, which recognizes small business owners and healthcare providers who are pillars in their communities and who have gone above expectations, even in times of change. Synchrony awarded recipients a small business prize package that included a $10,000 grant for business improvements and a business digital toolkit.

For Neal, the grant arrives during at an important moment for the 57-year-old furniture store.

“With the explosive growth of e-commerce during the pandemic, all businesses need to focus on stepping up their digital footprint," Neal said. “How do you stand out from the big dogs in online commerce if the customer is just clicking a picture of a couch on a website?"

Neal has utilized the Pillars Project Grant to enhance the online buying experience so that the company can stand out. Their new website features real-time inventory; video chats with salespeople, designers, and decorators; up-to-date pricing and customer financing options through a partnership with Synchrony.

“Being able to offer financing at the checkout window is one of the things that I'm most excited about," Neal said. “We are really just trying to stay in touch with what the customers are demanding. Financing plays a huge part in that."

Previously, customers would pick out the perfect sofa for their space or would fall in love with a living room set, only to discover at checkout that the price is out of reach. Now, Neal's Homestore can provide financing options with convenient payment installments. Better serving customers of all credit levels has presented new possibilities, higher sales and happy customers.

“Letting the customer know what those payment options are and how easy it is, you can feel the relief from the customer when you're able to give them those options," Neal said. “The customer absolutely loves it."

Building on these successes, Neal is currently researching augmented reality technology that can help customers visualize how items will look in their homes. “Keeping up with new technology to better serve our customers will allow us to continue to serve our community," Neal said. “Our most exciting work involves coming up with creative ways to bring our friendly and expert buying experience online."

Whether supporting diverse causes in and around Okmulgee or adopting new technology to better serve customers, Neal's Homestore epitomizes the qualities applauded through the Pillars Project.

“My favorite thing is being recognized for what we love to do — the service and outreach that we perform," Neal said. "It is something we take great pride in."

Ultimately, Neal's Homestore helps turns houses into homes, and its hometown into a community. By further integrating technology into its business model, its mission and philanthropic efforts can continue — hopefully, for many generations to come.

Synchrony is a leader in launching new capabilities and solutions for businesses to help drive sales, loyalty and reach new customers with more financing options. Contact us to find out how we can do more for your business.