The vision of one man to create a family legacy started in 1885 in Jonesboro, when P.C. Barton opened a small grocery store. As the needs of the community changed, P.C. shifted the business toward lumber and building materials, laying the foundation for a company that would grow and adapt for generations. Today, 140 years later, that same vision has become a community pillar and a thriving home improvement retail enterprise, operating three brands through continuous and consistent annual growth.

The journey has not always been easy. E.C. Barton & Company has navigated countless internal and external challenges over the decades. From the devastating downtown fire of 1977 to major global events like world wars, economic depression, recessions, inflationary cycles, industry regulations and rapid shifts in technology and consumer behavior, the company has stood resilient, adaptable and steady in its commitment to serving customers.

The same family values that shaped the early Barton’s brand continue to guide the now 100% employee-owned organization. E.C. Barton & Company serves as the parent organization to Barton’s, Home Outlet, and Seconds and Surplus, operating 126 locations, two eCommerce websites and expanding at a pace of three to seven new stores each year. With ownership being a leading core value and guiding principle due to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, employees of E.C. Barton are referred to as “Partners.” Today, more than 800 partners participate in the company ESOP and take a vested interest in the day-to-day success of the organization.

“Reaching 140 years is a rare achievement, and it speaks to the resilience, integrity and hard work that have defined this company from the beginning,” said Mark Biggers, president of E.C. Barton & Company. “What started with P.C. Barton serving his community in 1885 has grown into a thriving, employee-owned organization that is still guided by those same principles. Our people and our loyal customers in the communities we serve are the reasons we’ve reached this milestone, and they’re the reasons our future is so bright. We’re proud of our history, and we’re even more excited about what comes next as we build upon this legacy for generations to come.”

The company entered its 140th year with a strong outlook for continued growth. In the 2025 calendar year, the Home Outlet division opened seven new locations across Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana. Two additional stores are already planned for Nebraska and Illinois in early 2026, expanding the division’s footprint to 22 states.

In honor of the milestone year and to celebrate the employee-owners who drive its success, E.C. Barton & Company participated for the first time in the Arkansas Best Places to Work program. This program evaluates candidates based on employee driven feedback and the benefits packages offered to the employees. As a result, E.C. Barton & Company was named a 2025 Best Places to Work recipient in the large company division, with representatives accepting the award during the annual luncheon in September.

Many pivotal moments, both small and large, have contributed to the legacy and growth of E.C. Barton & Company. A few key milestones worth noting are listed below.

• 1885: P.C. Barton begins selling lumber from his grocery store in Jonesboro.

• 1902: P.C. Sells his grocery store and incorporates Barton Lumber & Brick.

• 1920s-1950s: Barton’s opens new locations, merges with other companies and completes acquisitions that build the Barton’s footprint in Arkansas.

• 1927: P.C. Barton completes the purchase of all stock of the company.

• 1928: The business is turned over to P.C. Barton’s son, E.C. Barton.

• 1946: The Building Materials Company, wholesale division of Barton’s, is established.

• 1950: E.C. Barton buys out Mansfield Lumber; changes name of organization to E.C. Barton & Company.

• 1975: Employee Stock Ownership Plan is adopted (ECB becomes fully employee owned in 1983).

• 1976: Barton’s operates 26 stores in Arkansas and Missouri.

• 1977: A downtown fire devastates the Barton’s Lumber Building (housed since 1904) and the home office; a groundbreaking is held for the new facility on Brown’s Lane at “the edge of city limits.”

• 1980: The Union Salvage brand is established.

• 1982: After 97 years of town-based names (ex: West Memphis Lumber), all stores are united under one brand: Barton’s.

• 1987: ECB now operates 33 stores in Arkansas and Missouri.

• 1997: Union Salvage is rebranded as Surplus Warehouse (totaling 8 locations).

• 2006: ECB acquires Bargain Outlet.

• 2018: With growth exploding in the last 30 years, total locations stand at 107.

• 2019: Surplus Warehouse and Bargain Outlet are combined and rebranded to the name “Home Outlet” (and Home Outlet launches online shopping).

• 2020: Mark Biggers is named president of E.C. Barton & Company.

• 2022: ECB acquires Dallas-based discount home improvement brand, Seconds and Surplus (five locations).

For more details about the history of E.C. Barton & Company, visit ecbarton.com/140-years-of-ecb.