Levin Furniture: A Legacy of Quality, Craftsmanship, and Community
It was a rainy Saturday morning when the Mitchell family set out on a mission: to find the perfect sofa for their new home. After weeks of online browsing, something seemed entirely wrong. The sofas they had seen either didn’t fit the style of their home or the quality seemed questionable. Frustrated but hopeful, they decided to visit a local store that friends had been raving about—Levin Furniture. The moment they walked in, they were greeted by a warm atmosphere, plush displays of high-quality furniture, and a knowledgeable sales associate who helped them find the perfect sofa for their family room. It was more than just a furniture shopping experience; it was a reminder of what Levin Furniture has stood for over the years—quality products, excellent service, and deep roots in the community.
For families like the Mitchells, Levin Furniture isn’t just a place to buy furniture. It’s a trusted name that has been a part of homes for over 100 years, offering well-crafted, stylish, and durable furniture at competitive prices. From its humble beginnings in rural Pennsylvania to its expansion across Ohio and beyond, Levin Furniture has built a reputation as a leading furniture retailer that prioritizes its customers and communities.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of Levin Furniture, its rise in the industry, and how the company has navigated the evolving landscape of furniture retail. We’ll also highlight what makes Levin Furniture a beloved brand for so many families across the Midwest and look at the latest trends in the furniture industry that Levin continues to embrace.
The Origins of Levin Furniture: A Century-Old Legacy
Levin Furniture was founded 1920 by Sam Levin, a Russian immigrant who wanted to provide quality home furnishings to working-class families in rural Pennsylvania. Sam’s vision was simple: to offer high-quality, affordable furniture with a focus on customer satisfaction. What started as a small, local business quickly became a regional powerhouse.
By the mid-20th century, Levin Furniture had expanded its operations, opening additional stores in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The company became known for its wide selection of living room sets, bedroom furniture, and dining room pieces. Levin’s focus on quality craftsmanship helped build its reputation as a trusted furniture retailer, particularly among families who viewed their furniture as long-term investments.
Today, Levin Furniture is still family-owned, a rarity in the modern retail landscape. The Levin family’s commitment to the business has remained strong, with Robert Levin, Sam’s grandson, leading the company for many years before stepping down in 2017. Under Robert’s leadership, Levin Furniture expanded its product lines, modernized its stores, and continued to prioritize customer service.
However, in a dramatic twist of fate, Levin Furniture faced financial troubles in 2019 when the parent company that had purchased it ran into bankruptcy. Robert Levin retired and returned to rescue the company, repurchasing it in early 2020, just before the pandemic hit. This move saved hundreds of jobs and ensured that the family legacy would continue. As Robert Levin told Furniture Today, “I couldn’t stand by and let the company my family built be wiped out.”
What Sets Levin Furniture Apart: Quality, Service, and Selection
For over a century, Levin Furniture has stood by three core values: quality products, excellent customer service, and community involvement. These principles have helped Levin maintain a strong foothold in the competitive furniture retail world, where big-box stores and online giants have disrupted the industry.
1. Quality Craftsmanship and Trusted Brands
Levin Furniture offers a wide range of high-quality furniture that caters to different styles, preferences, and budgets. Whether looking for a sleek, modern sofa or a traditional, hand-crafted dining set, Levin ensures customers access some of the best furniture brands.
Levin partners with well-established brands like Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, Flexsteel, and Tempur-Pedic, among others, to bring customers various choices. According to Furniture Today, 65% of Levin’s product line comes from these trusted brands, giving customers confidence in the durability and style of their purchases. Levin also emphasizes American-made furniture, with many pieces sourced from U.S.-based manufacturers, a feature that resonates with customers who value supporting local businesses.
2. Exceptional Customer Service
Levin Furniture has long prided itself on its customer service, which sets it apart from many other retailers. The company’s knowledgeable staff goes above and beyond to ensure that customers find exactly what they’re looking for, whether providing personalized recommendations or helping with financing options. Levin’s commitment to service continues after the sale, too. The company offers comprehensive delivery and assembly services and a robust return and exchange policy.
According to a 2023 survey by Consumer Reports, 72% of Levin customers rated their experience as “excellent” or “very good,” citing friendly staff, flexible financing options, and timely delivery as standout features. In an industry where online shopping and impersonal transactions have become the norm, Levin’s dedication to personalized service continues to win over customers.
3. Wide Selection of Styles and Customization Options
Levin Furniture offers diverse styles, from contemporary to classic, ensuring that customers can find pieces that match their unique tastes and home décor. In addition to its ready-to-buy items, Levin provides customization options for many of its furniture pieces. Customers can choose from different fabrics, colors, and finishes to create a truly personalized piece that fits perfectly in their home.
A report from Statista in 2022 found that 58% of furniture shoppers in the U.S. are interested in customizable furniture, a trend that Levin has capitalized on. With customization options across many of its product lines, Levin allows customers to create spaces that reflect their style and needs.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Furniture Retail—and How Levin Adapted
Like many retailers, Levin Furniture faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Store closures, supply chain disruptions, and a shift to online shopping forced the company to adapt to a new retail landscape quickly. However, Levin’s ability to pivot was crucial in maintaining its market position.
In response to these challenges, Levin expanded its online presence, offering virtual consultations, a more user-friendly website, and flexible delivery options. As the Furniture Retail Market Report from IBISWorld highlighted, online furniture sales grew by 25% between 2020 and 2022. Levin captured a portion of this market by improving its e-commerce capabilities.
Levin also focused on the growing demand for home office furniture, which skyrocketed during the pandemic as millions of Americans began working from home. Levin expanded its offerings to include a broader range of office desks, chairs, and ergonomic accessories, allowing it to meet customers’ needs and create functional home workspaces. A 2021 survey by Statista showed that 42% of Americans invested in home office furniture during the pandemic, with desks and chairs being the top purchases.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Levin Furniture emerged stronger, continuing to focus on its core values of quality, service, and community involvement.
Levin Furniture and the Community: A Legacy of Giving Back
Levin Furniture has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities it serves. Over the years, the company has supported numerous local charities, schools, and organizations. This community involvement has helped those in need and strengthened Levin’s relationship with its customer base.
One of the company’s flagship initiatives is its partnership with A Kid Again, a nonprofit organization that provides support and adventures for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Levin has donated furniture, raised funds, and even hosted events to bring joy to families in difficult circumstances. In 2022 alone, Levin’s charitable contributions exceeded $500,000, much of which went to local organizations in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
A 2023 study by Cone Communications found that 87% of consumers are more likely to support companies actively involved in their communities. Levin’s commitment to charitable giving has undoubtedly played a role in its continued success.
Levin Furniture’s Future: Looking Ahead
As Levin Furniture approaches its second century of business, the company shows no signs of slowing down. With plans for expansion and a continued focus on quality and customer service, Levin remains a trusted name in furniture retail. The company’s ability to adapt to new trends—whether in design, technology or the changing needs of consumers—ensures that it will remain a beloved brand for generations.
Conclusion: More Than Just Furniture
For families like the Mitchells, Levin Furniture is more than just a store—it’s a place where quality, service, and community come together to create an unparalleled shopping experience. Whether furnishing a new home, upgrading your living room, or looking for that perfect accent piece, Levin Furniture offers something for everyone. With a legacy of over 100 years, Levin continues to be a symbol of excellence in the furniture industry, standing tall as a family business that understands the importance of creating spaces that feel like home.