Klaffs, the Popular Home Design Store, Closes in South Norwalk - Healthy Handyman

Time 2021-05-27 23:15:10

Web Name: Klaffs, the Popular Home Design Store, Closes in South Norwalk - Healthy Handyman

WebSite: http://www.klaffs.com

ID:179580

Keywords:

Home,Design,Store,

Description:

HealthyHandyman is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Klaffs, the century-old home design retailer, has closed its South Norwalk showroom having gone into liquidation. The company, which was founded in the 1920s, has said that it struggled to compete with online businesses and faced increased competition following the opening of a Lowe’s in the neighbourhood. They also pointed to the proposed opening of the SoNo Collection mall in the region. In a press release announcing the news, Klaffs thanked its customers and the community of South Norwalk for its support over the decades.Klaffs’ HistoryKlaffs was opened by husband-and-wife team, Joe and Mary Klaff, in 1921. They started as a plumbing wholesaler and withstood the Great Depression fewer than 10 years later. The business showed its agility during World War II. With cast iron difficult to come by, being used for munitions and in the war effort, Klaffs turned its attention to decorative hardware and electrical supplies.They further expanded their offerings after the culmination of the war, providing lumber and kit houses to veterans that were looking to lay down roots. In the decades since, Klaffs went on to further expand and solidify its product line. They became known as an all-purpose home-design business and specialized in plumbing, electrical, and lighting supplies.The company claimed to be the first home design company to display full kitchen and entire bathroom installations. They offered working fixtures and fittings that potential buyers could test drive to see whether they were the right product: an early and successful method of experiential marketing.21st Century ProblemsDespite surviving the Great Depression and World War II, the business endured an even more difficult time as it moved into the 21st century. The economic downturn at the start of the century saw people turning away from real estate. Fewer homes were being built and people were spending less on renovating and redecorating. Klaffs’ CEO, Joe Passero, took this as an opportunity to expand, rather than a sign to retreat. While the business was experiencing a downturn in sales, real estate prices were also lower than they had been for many years, and Passero invested in a 19,000-square-foot store on Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale.Online CompetitionHowever, this was to be the last bold move of a business steeped in local history. The physical store failed to compete with online alternatives, with many consumers choosing to shop online to benefit from lower prices and easier comparison shopping, as well as enjoying greater convenience.Klaffs did undergo an online rebranding, launching a new site, introducing a design and innovation magazine, and embarking on a content marketing strategy with the aim of retargeting the design professionals and interior design companies that once made up 30% of their business.Local CompetitionIn 2015, Lowe’s opened a large home improvement store on Connecticut Avenue, which inevitably took some custom away from the local organization. The proposed 2019 opening of the SoNo Collections mall meant that there would be further competition for the homeowner market, too.Early in 2018, Klaffs announced the closure of its Danbury store and said that more designers and tradespeople were using their South Norwalk store instead. In February, the business put its Water Street headquarters up for sale, with an asking price of more than $6.5 million for the 50,000 square foot structure.ClosureOn announcing the closure of the SoNo business, CEO Passero said that the company had no plans on filing for Chapter 11 and said that they would work with debtors, while also announcing that they would confirm a liquidation sale date in the future. At the time of the announcement, Klaffs had more than 80 employees and even Passero said that it had been “a surprise at how fast it all occurred.”Klaffs has been a part of the South Norwalk community for nearly 100 years and the local community will miss its customer-driven showroom.ContentsKlaffs’ History21st Century ProblemsOnline CompetitionLocal CompetitionClosureHi there! My name is Adam and I write for HealthyHandyman. I have a great passion for writing about everything related to tools, home improvement, and DIY. In my spare time, I'm either fishing, playing the guitar, or spending quality time with my beloved wife. You'll also often find me in my workshop working on some new project! Guides 19 Cheap Fencing Ideas for Your Yard In 2021 Since the beginning of time, mankind has been marking their territories with lines. Not only does it mark where our land ends, it also keeps Adam Harris

TAGS:Home Design Store 

<<< Thank you for your visit >>>

Klaffs has been a part of the South Norwalk for nearly 100 years. Read about the history of this family operated business and the lovely memory left for their community.

Hot Websites