SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — BFO Bids, the fast-growing online auction company founded by Justin and Lauren Bright, has officially opened its new home at 2 North Main Street in downtown Hutchinson. The move marks a major expansion for the local business and sets the stage for the launch of a new companion retail platform, BFO2GO.
The new facility opened July 1 and offers significantly more space for inventory processing, customer pickups and daily operations. The 2 North Main location will serve as the central hub for both BFOBIDS.com, its established online auction marketplace, and the soon-to-launch BFO2GO retail store, which will feature online shopping with same-day pickup and nationwide shipping.
“This move is a huge milestone for us,” Justin Bright said. “We’ve outgrown every space we’ve had faster than expected, and this new building finally gives us the room to grow, not just in what we do now, but in what we’re building toward.”
BFO Bids began in early 2023 out of a small warehouse in Buhler, Kansas. Since then, it has grown rapidly, operating out of the Hutchinson Mall and later 405 North Main before relocating downtown. Along the way, the Brights have developed a hybrid business model that combines online auctions with in-person pickup and community partnerships.
“BFOBIDS.com will always be the foundation of what we do,” Bright said. “We’ve expanded it to include liquidation from major retailers like Amazon and Target, estate sales, business inventory reduction, vehicles, large equipment, even charity fundraisers.”
With the upcoming launch of BFO2GO, the Brights are expanding into online retail with a model designed for convenience and value.
“Think of it like Walmart.com, but with a BFO twist,” Bright said. “You’ll be able to shop online for brand-new products, have them shipped anywhere in the U.S., or pick them up the same day right here in Hutch.”
The 2 North Main building will also undergo aesthetic upgrades, including new signage and interior improvements. Despite some construction still underway, the facility is already open for customer pickups and operational needs.
“There just aren’t many large, affordable commercial buildings in Hutchinson that aren’t tied up in corporate leases,” Bright said. “When this location became available, we knew it was the right fit. It allows us to bring our auction and retail operations together under one roof.”
In addition to selling its own inventory, BFO also partners with independent vendors, offering them a platform to reach a broader customer base without the costs of maintaining a physical storefront. BFO handles customer service and pickup logistics on their behalf.
“This gives small businesses a chance to start selling online without needing loans or huge upfront costs,” Bright said. “It’s the kind of thing I wish had existed when we started. Now we’re able to offer that opportunity to others.”
Bright credited the company’s rapid growth to community support, especially from the Buhler area, where he and Lauren still live.
“We wouldn’t be here without the early support we got in Buhler,” he said. “People jumped in from day one, and that gave us the boost we needed to get started.”
BFO continues to evolve its services and invites others to take part. Individuals, nonprofits or businesses interested in hosting auctions can reach out via [email protected].
“We’re incredibly grateful for where we are today,” Bright said. “This new chapter at 2 North Main is about more than just space, it’s about delivering more value, more convenience and continuing to support our community and other small businesses.”
For more information about current auctions or the upcoming retail launch, visit BFOBIDS.com.