Raymour & Flanigan: A Leading Force in American Furniture Retail
Raymour & Flanigan is a name synonymous with quality home furnishings and customer satisfaction. As the largest furniture and mattress retailer in the Northeastern United States, and the seventh-largest nationwide, Raymour & Flanigan has a legacy that spans more than 70 years. Founded by brothers Bernard and Arnold Goldberg in 1947, the company has grown from a single showroom in Syracuse, New York, to over 145 stores across seven states. But what has driven this remarkable success? In this article, we’ll explore the story of Raymour & Flanigan, its commitment to its customers and community, its expansion, and its future.
The Humble Beginnings of Raymour & Flanigan
Raymour & Flanigan began its journey in 1947 in downtown Syracuse, New York. The company was initially known as Raymour’s Furniture, named after an antiques shop owned by a third Goldberg brother. In the early days, Bernard and Arnold Goldberg set the foundation for a family-owned business that would stand the test of time. The goal was simple: to provide high-quality, affordable furniture to local communities.
By 1972, Raymour’s Furniture opened its second store in Clay, New York, and Bernard’s son, Neil Goldberg, joined the business. With the addition of Neil, the Goldberg family continued to build a business that would eventually grow beyond their local market.
Strategic Acquisitions Fueling Growth
The real turning point for Raymour & Flanigan came in 1990 when the company acquired Flanigan’s Furniture, a prominent furniture retailer based in Buffalo and Rochester. This acquisition expanded the company’s footprint significantly and led to the rebranding as Raymour & Flanigan. The acquisition marked the beginning of a series of strategic moves that allowed the company to establish a strong presence in the Northeastern United States.
In the years that followed, Raymour & Flanigan continued to expand through acquisitions, including:
- Furniture Unlimited (1997): This acquisition provided Raymour & Flanigan a foothold in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey markets.
- Futurama (2005): A move to solidify the company’s presence in the New York metropolitan area.
- Alpert’s Furniture (2007): Expanding into the Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts regions.
- Levitz Furniture (2008): Adding 18 locations in the New York metro area.
By 2011, Raymour & Flanigan had over 100 locations across seven states, with a commitment to providing customers with the best in home furnishings.
Family Leadership Through Generations
Raymour & Flanigan has remained a family-owned business throughout its history, with each generation continuing the legacy of quality and service. Neil Goldberg, who became president and CEO in 1982, led the company through its most significant period of growth. Under his leadership, Raymour & Flanigan expanded into major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.
In 2021, the leadership passed on to Neil’s son, Seth Goldberg, marking the third generation of family leadership. This transition was seen as a natural continuation of the values that have driven the company: a commitment to customer satisfaction, community involvement, and providing a positive work environment for employees.
Product Range and Customer Experience
Raymour & Flanigan is known for offering an extensive range of home furnishings, catering to various tastes and budgets. Whether you’re furnishing a living room, bedroom, or dining area, the company provides everything you need, including:
- Living Room Furniture: Sofas, sectionals, recliners, coffee tables, and more.
- Bedroom Furniture: Beds, dressers, nightstands, and wardrobes.
- Dining Room Furniture: Dining tables, chairs, buffets, and more.
- Mattresses: Featuring top brands like Purple and Tempur-Pedic.
In addition to offering quality products, Raymour & Flanigan excels in customer service. The company provides free delivery, furniture assembly, and in-home design consultations to make shopping more convenient. They also offer flexible financing options, including interest-free financing for certain periods.
Commitment to Sustainability
Raymour & Flanigan has taken significant steps toward becoming an environmentally responsible business. The company operates five recycling facilities and recycles nearly all of its packaging—approximately 25 million pounds annually. Furthermore, in 2022, they partnered with Greenskies Clean Focus to implement solar projects in New Jersey, which are expected to offset over 90% of the electricity used at each of its service centers, showrooms, and clearance centers.
This commitment to sustainability not only helps reduce the company’s carbon footprint but also sets an example for other retailers in the industry.
Awards and Recognition
Raymour & Flanigan’s dedication to providing exceptional service, both to customers and employees, has earned it numerous accolades over the years. Some of the most notable awards include:
- Retailer of the Year (National Home Furnishings Association, 2001).
- Retailer of the Year Award (Furniture Today, 2004).
- Newsmaker of the Year (Home Furnishings Business, 2007).
- Spirit of Life Award (City of Hope, 2013).
- Great Place to Work-Certified (Every year since 2018).
- Business of the Year Award (2022, CenterState).
These awards are a testament to Raymour & Flanigan’s commitment to excellence, both in its products and customer service.
The Future of Raymour & Flanigan
As Raymour & Flanigan moves into the future, the company continues to focus on growth and innovation. With more than 145 locations across seven states and a robust online presence, Raymour & Flanigan is poised to remain a leader in the home furnishings industry. Their focus on sustainability, customer experience, and community involvement ensures that they will remain a trusted name for many years to come.
With Seth Goldberg leading the charge as president, Raymour & Flanigan is primed for continued success and expansion. As the company celebrates over seven decades of family ownership, it remains deeply committed to providing quality furniture, excellent customer service, and a positive workplace culture for its 5,000 employees.
Conclusion
Raymour & Flanigan is more than just a furniture retailer; it is a family business with a rich history of growth, innovation, and commitment to its customers and communities. Whether through their wide selection of high-quality furniture, dedication to sustainability, or ongoing focus on employee satisfaction, Raymour & Flanigan continues to set the standard for the furniture retail industry. With its third-generation leadership, the future looks bright for this iconic American brand.
