Introduction
Jordan’s Furniture is a well-known furniture retailer in the United States, with multiple locations across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The company has gained popularity for its unique store concepts, including elaborate showrooms and entertainment attractions. However, when it comes to the question of who owns Jordan’s Furniture, the answer is not as straightforward as one might expect.
Barry Tatelman and Eliot Tatelman
Jordan’s Furniture was founded in 1918 by Samuel Tatelman and his wife Rose. Initially, the store was a modest furniture shop in Waltham, Massachusetts. Over the years, the business grew, and in the 1960s, Samuel’s sons, Barry and Eliot Tatelman, took over the company. Under their leadership, Jordan’s Furniture expanded its operations and became a prominent name in the furniture industry.
Barry and Eliot Tatelman played a crucial role in the success of Jordan’s Furniture, with their innovative marketing strategies and commitment to customer satisfaction. They introduced unique concepts like the “Jordan’s Enchanted Village,” a holiday-themed attraction, and “Beantown,” a replica of Boston made entirely from jelly beans. These attractions helped differentiate Jordan’s Furniture from its competitors and attract customers.
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway
In 1999, Barry and Eliot Tatelman made a significant decision that would shape the future of Jordan’s Furniture. They sold the company to Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate led by renowned investor Warren Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway acquired Jordan’s Furniture for an undisclosed amount, adding it to its diverse portfolio of companies.
Under Berkshire Hathaway’s ownership, Jordan’s Furniture continued to thrive and expand. The company opened new locations, including the iconic “Reading Showroom” in Reading, Massachusetts, which features a massive IMAX theater and a ropes course. Berkshire Hathaway’s financial strength and business expertise provided Jordan’s Furniture with the resources and support necessary for growth.
Current Ownership
As of the time of writing, Jordan’s Furniture remains a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. While the Tatelman brothers are no longer the owners, they have continued to be involved in the company’s operations. Eliot Tatelman has served as the spokesperson for Jordan’s Furniture, appearing in commercials and promoting the brand. Barry Tatelman has also remained connected to the business, although to a lesser extent.
It is worth noting that Berkshire Hathaway has a reputation for allowing its subsidiaries to operate with a considerable degree of autonomy. This approach has allowed Jordan’s Furniture to maintain its unique identity and continue its tradition of providing exceptional customer experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jordan’s Furniture is currently owned by Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate led by Warren Buffett. The company was originally founded by Samuel Tatelman and later taken over by his sons, Barry and Eliot Tatelman. While the Tatelman brothers sold the company in 1999, they have remained involved in its operations. Under Berkshire Hathaway’s ownership, Jordan’s Furniture has continued to prosper and expand, offering customers innovative showrooms and attractions.
References
– Berkshire Hathaway: www.berkshirehathaway.com
– Jordan’s Furniture: www.jordans.com
