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Welcome to Gilbert's Furniture Showroom |
Where Style, Quality, Selection and Value...
Come together for your Home and Office
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Gilbert's is now pleased to be celebrating our 42nd Anniversary
Read our story below.
Gilbert’s Furniture Showroom was founded in 1962 when the former B.J. Smith furniture Store in West Reading was torn down to make way for the West Shore Bypass.
Samuel Gilbert, then manager of the B.J.Smith store purchased the business, changed the name and opened at 125 S. 5th Street in Reading.
John Buckley who was a touch-up specialist with Smith joined Mr. Gilbert as a salesman.
In 1964 Buckley was named assistant manager and in 1965 became a partner in the business. In 1968 Sam Gilbert passed away and Mr. Buckley bought the business from the Gilbert family.
Denton Buckley joined his father in 1970 as assistant manager and Ronald Buckley joined the firm in 1972. Having leased the South Fifth St. location for 23 years, when John retired in 1985 the sons looked for a better location to purchase. The former Brighter Furniture closed early in 1985. Gilberts purchased the building from the Resnick family and after extensive renovations the store opened May 1st at the new location.
The family business has involved a third generation in the operation. Denton’s son Denton Jr. joined the firm in 1990 in the area of preparation, delivery and servicing of wood product. Denton’s daughter, Kathlynn Knarr joined the firm recently in the area of sales and office.
Lee Ferrier, with the company since 1985, handles all upholstery service, reupholstering work and window treatment installation.
From the beginning, Gilbert’s Furniture has focused on providing quality home furnishings at a reasonable price and providing exceptional service to go along with it. When John operated the business he coined the slogan, "we’re not expensive we just look that way". Furniture from the French, Victorian & 18th century prevailed. When the new store opened in 1985, it included a Thomasville Gallery along with twice as much floor space for a variety of styles including casual contemporary to traditional. Gilbert’s has always offered a full line of bedding and carpeting. In the early 1990’s Gilbert's began offering both hard and soft window fashions which now amounts to a significant portion of the total sales.
Along with furniture, floor coverings & window treatments for every room, our store offers a full line of accessories to compliment any décor.
In 1994 Gilbert’s had purchased land in Muhlenberg Township with the intent to relocate the store. The difficulty of selling the downtown property led to a reconsideration of that decision. As fate would have it, when the Sovereign Center and Performing Arts Center opened downtown, traffic in the downtown area greatly increased. As a direct result many people that "hadn’t been in downtown Reading for years" visited Gilbert’s.
It’s a step in the right direction. Here’s hoping it continues. Since 1985 we’ve seen many changes ..new sidewalks, repaving, the inception of a Downtown Improvement District, and now the Sovereign center. The downtown area has a long way to go in becoming a vibrant shopping area, but there are bright spots.
A recent study of our customer base has indicated that our store is centrally located. The location at 3rd and Penn Sts. is an easy on/off from the 222/422 bypass. As a way to address the downtown parking issue Gilbert’s promotes the fact if "you plug the meter we’ll pay you back". We are also a member of park & shop, but most lots are too far to walk for customers in this crazy hustle bustle world.
In addition to offering "free" decorator service with purchase, Gilbert’s still offers "free" delivery of purchases over $750 within a 50 mile radius. Complete set up of furniture along with removal of old furniture and bedding at no charge are additional services provided. Most of these policies can be traced to John Buckley’s philosophy of treating customers, as you would like to be treated.
Gilbert’s only employs user friendly sales persons. We let you browse to your hearts content and offer as much help as you need or want to design the home of your dreams.
Ronald who is in charge of the sales staff has a refreshing philosophy on decorating. Gilbert’s will complete your taste from top to bottom including floor covering and window coverings.
If you haven't visited us for a time....come and celebrate with us.
You'll love the look and feel of Gilbert's.
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