Home Business Business News 1670 Furniture House going out of business as long-time owner bids adieu

1670 Furniture House going out of business as long-time owner bids adieu

For 28 years, Madeline Schlaefer has welcomed customers into the 1670 Furniture House, located at 47155 County Road 48 in Southold — and reveled in helping them to design and furnish the homes of their dreams.

But now, Schlaefer said, it’s time to hang up her proverbial hat, and she’s hosting a “retirement celebration” sale; the store will close its doors for the last time at the end of October.

The reason for retiring, Schlaefer said, is simple. “I’ve been doing it too long,” she said, lauging. Schlaefer said she’d like to spend time with her grandchildren. “I want to go to their baseball games and soccer games. I’ve missed that, and it’s a big thing, to be a part of their lives. They get older in a hurry.”

Schlaefer’s most recent grandchild, a little boy named Finn, was born a week ago.

In addition to grandma duties, Schlaefer, who runs the shop with her daughter Elizabeth, said she’s looking forward to “playing a little golf”, having lunch with friends, and heading to a warmer climate when February snows roll around.

Sales on inventory, which includes all types of indoor furnishings such as living, bedroom, and dining room furniture, feature prices of 40 to 50 percent off merchandise.

Part of the joy of the business has been working side by side with her daughter, Schlaefer said. “She’s my right arm,” she said, adding that her daughter does all the design work and displays; the pair goes on buying trips and and attends furniture shows together.  “She has a great eye for design and color. She’s been with me forever. It’s wonderful to have that mother/daughter bond.”

Saying good-bye to her clientele isn’t easy, Schlaefer, who lives in East Marion, said. “The best part of this experience has been all the people coming in and saying they’re sorry that we’re closing. We have a wonderful rapport with our customers. Many are repeat customers, and many have become friends. All the good wishes out here are wonderful. Everything out here in Southold is special. It sets up apart.”

But even though she’s closing the shop, Schlaefer said she has no intention of bidding farewell to the North Fork. “I’d never leave,” she said.

 

 

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