Dayton-area furniture store stops election promotion early

$5 million in free furniture could be given away following today’s election.

An election promotion by Morris Furniture was so popular for the furniture retailer it had to stop sales early, angering some customers.

Morris Furniture announced last month it would pay for customer furniture purchases if the Ohio voter turnout today reaches 69 percent in the presidential election.

The election promotion to commemorate the company’s 69th anniversary was supposed to run through the end of business on Monday, but some customers called this media outlet to complain Morris Furniture stopped the deal earlier.

Company officials said they stopped the promotion after 7 p.m. because it was taking them beyond the sales they had budgeted for. In promotional material, the company said it warned customers the promotion could be stopped earlier.

Morris Furniture officials said they are willing to work with any customer who was in the store after the company stopped sales for the promotion.

“We know that some shoppers were disappointed that they were not able to participate in this promotion on Monday evening. We greatly value our customers and apologize for any inconvenience they may have experienced in our showroom,” said Robert Klaben, vice president of advertising and marketing, in a statement.

Customers who have complaints are asked to contact the company at guestserviceteam@morrisfci.com.

To win the furniture, customers must have paid for $1,499 worth of furniture. The promotion measures the turnout of eligible voters in Ohio. More than 6 million Ohio voters will have to vote.

Klaben said the company sold “well over” $5 million in the promotion.

The promotion involves Morris stores, including Morris Home Furnishings and Ashley HomeStore, located in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus, and Florence, Ky.

In 2012, about 64 percent of eligible voters came out in 2012. In 2008, about 68 percent of eligible Ohio voters turned out for the election.

Morris Furniture Company ran a similar promotion at its 15 stores for people who bought $1,999 or more of furniture between Dec. 17, 2014 and Jan. 1, 2015. The company said it would refund the money customers paid if the Ohio State football team won by 7 points or more against the University of Oregon.

More than 500 customers won free furniture when Ohio State won. The promotion awarded nearly $1.5 million in furniture with the Buckeye’s 42-20 win.

Klaben said they have contacted the Better Business Bureau and the Ohio Attorney General’s office to warn them of potential customer complaints.

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