WESTWOOD, N.J.—Sheldon Danziger is handing over the reins at Furniture Bank.
The Furniture bank celebrated 35 years in business this month. Located at 23 Bergenline Ave., the business was founded on a dream and $10,000, Sheldon Danziger told Pascack Press.
The business began when Gary Danziger opened it, greeted its first customer, made its first sale, and then delivered the product to the customer’s home the next day.
During those early years, Sheldon Danziger coached Gary Danziger from his position on Wall Street as lead trader for Canadian dollars at Bankers Trust Co. It wasn’t long thereafter that Sheldon Danziger became involved in its daily operations. Over the years, Sheldon Danziger has been a presence within the local community, participating in community events and various fundraisers.
Over the years, Furniture bank has been called upon many times to supply furnishings for American Legion projects and other nonprofit organizations.
Later, the two brothers and Mr. and Mrs Danziger became household names through their satirical television commercial, a spoof of the “American Idol” commercial that was well received.
“It was a great commercial and it really had a big impact on our visibility in the area,” said Sheldon Danziger. “We have produced over 10 different commercials over the years and people have followed them until today.”
The latest, still on Furniture Bank’s website, features Sheldon Danziger’s daughter, Ariel, as she grows up over the years.
Gary Danziger left the company in 2005 and resides in Florida. Sheldon Danziger continued the operation and began sourcing the products from China. He said he really enjoyed the opportunity of meeting new people and building relationships overseas, as well as making sure that quality standards were met. The current import tax of 10 percent makes it more difficult to turn a profit, he said.
“We have been dealing domestically for the past few years; It seems that’s the direction we are going,” Sheldon Danziger said.
As a show of appreciation to customers, Furniture Bank often provided vouchers for ice cream, pizza and recently Jersey Mike’s sandwiches. The Furniture Bank has also sponsored a few autograph sessions with professional football players from the New York Jets and New York Giants.
“It’s been a rewarding run. I have met some great people and thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” said Sheldon Danziger. “I cannot say enough how fortunate I have been to be able to deal with every aspect of running a business that you can call your own… I may even consider staying on in some capacity.”
The local landscape for home furnishings is changing, Danziger said. He recalled that as recently as 10 years ago there were many independent furniture store operations, including Happy Viking, Cottage Beautiful, Pine Manor in River Edge, and Colony in Hackensack.
“Now, they are all gone,” Danziger said. “There are a few big box players, but the people in our area like to shop local and still enjoy the shopping experience of a smaller venue.
“I still have customers that tell me stories of when they came in 10 or 20 years back and now their children are purchasing from us,” Danziger said. “There is a ton of good will at the Furniture Bank.”
Vikramjeet Singh bought interest in Furniture Bank over a year ago and will lead the company moving forward.
“I wish him the best of luck!” Danziger said.