Contemporary Furniture Stores in Fargo

They came because there was something missing. There were no true contemporary furniture stores in Fargo.

Inspired by Mary Larsien-Cantrell, Mary, Ron Soderquist, and Allen larsien set out to fill a void. Because of the lack of contemporary furniture stores in Fargo, the three of them decided that they could serve the community of Fargo and the surrounding areas quite well. They based this decision on Mary's 17 years
(as of October, 2004) of experience in the retail Scandinavian furniture business. Coupled with Ron's knack for operational methods and logistics, and Allen's "Big Picture" mindset and tireless work ethic, they very quickly ended the need for contemporary furniture stores in Fargo with the establishment of Scan Design.

To this day, the exclusively contemporary furniture stores in fargo roster consists only of Scan Design. There are others that make an attempt at this niche, but really have a wider spectrum that they seek to service. The bigger retailers have the need to be all things to all people, and are less concerned with competing only in the contemporary furniture stores in fargo market.

The expert in this venture, Mary Larsien-Cantrell, is a Grand Forks, N.D., native and University of North Dakota graduate has spent the last 22 years working in the retail Scandinavian furniture business.

"I've been working for others for most of my life and I've always wanted to open my own place, so I'm going to give it a shot," Mary said. "I think Fargo is ready for something different."

Five years later, Scan Design is still going strong. This is a huge milestone because a very large percentage of businesses fail within the first five years. Many experts consider the five year mark the "we've made it!" milestone.


Ron Soderquist wears many hats in the Scan Design business plan. You might call him "The everything guy". From the sales floor, delivery coordination, actually making deliveries, assembly, advertising and marketing input, and all of the facets of operational concern, you'll see Ron's fingerprints.

Allen Larsien is the "big picture" piece that completes the trio of entrepreneurs that was required to start, maintain, and grow this endeavor. He comes from the professional boxing world, starting in 1987. He began as a corner person back then, and over the years developed into a head trainer and also took on management responsibilities. The knowledge he developed and the tireless work ethic that he possessed made him a very recognizable name in professional boxing. To this day he is sought after relentlessly to train up and coming fighters. It was in the boxing business that Allen developed this "big picture" ability.


Scan Design opened in October of 2004 at 110 North Broadway in downtown Fargo. Reach them at (701) 365-0900.