Whit-Ash in downtown Columbia is closing [Video]

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Whit-Ash Furniture store is closing its doors after 52 years of selling rugs, mattresses and an array of furniture. 

The furniture store at 919 Gervais Street in the Vista has been owned by two brothers, Harold Whitney Black and Gerald Black, since the 1970s. 

“Its tough. I mean, it really is. But I’ll be 77 in September and I’m tired,” co-owner Whitney Black said. “I’m worn out. Brother is only 18 months younger.  He’s tired, he’s worn, and it’s time. I mean it’s just time.” 

Whitney got into the business by building furniture for his own family and it turned into a full-blown success. The brothers went from selling waterbeds to couches, rugs, beds and lamps. 

Whitney remembered when he moved into the Columbia area. “It was the best price we could find in Columbia. Since we bought it, the Vista has …