The owners of the Chesterfield Shop look back on 75 years of doing business

Steve Freedman had no choice but to join the family business. Not because his father, Carl, made him, but because he couldn’t imagine doing another job. “I’ve always worked in the business,” says Steve, co-owner of The Chesterfield store, a GTA retail icon for 75 years. “I’d check bills, I’d help move stuff — it was just part of my life growing up. Then I went to business school and it never made sense for me to do anything else.”

As a child, Steve watched his father and his two uncles devote their lives to The Chesterfield Shop. The three were upholsterers by trade who emigrated from Poland in the early 1900s with little money to their name. So becoming an entrepreneur and opening a leather and fabric furniture store was the best way to start their new life in Toronto. Their first location was in the Junction, near Dundas and Keele, in 1948, and today The Chesterfield Shop has six locations across the GTA. Steve officially joined his father in 1979 – and over the years he helped bring the family business into the modern era, introducing e-commerce and social media advertising, and continuing after Carl died in 2007 as a result of a heart attack.

“He was the most easygoing, likable guy there was,” says Steve, pointing to a photo hanging on the wall behind him of him and his father side by side in front of their 40,000-square-foot headquarters on Dufferin Street in North York. . “Retail isn’t a science, it’s an art. I learned so much from him. My father was a real student of the game. He liked to read about advertising, merchandising and marketing, so that came naturally to him. He really understood the trends. He also understood the importance of customer service. We are committed to the principles he laid out for us.”

Those principles include providing quality products at a fair price, not being afraid to adapt as the industry changes, giving priority to Canadian manufacturers, giving back to the community (through various charities such as Furniture Bank, Habitat for Humanity and the SickKids Foundation) and maintaining a human-first approach to business. “If a customer has a question, more often than not they come to us. We’re very hands-on and this has taken us a long way,” says Pam, a former stockbroker who joined her husband in the early 2000s and now runs the brand’s social media, engaging with the community online and responding to every single google review.

“I’m glad Pam was able to participate because that makes it extra special,” Steve says of the couple’s working relationship. “We can clash things… We don’t always agree, but that’s what a good marriage and a good business is all about.” She also accompanies Steve on business trips to furniture shows, but they extend their stay for a few days to enjoy some quality time together.

“You have to have a separation of church and state,” says Pam. “Steve is in the office 24/7 and I can work from home – it strikes a really good balance.” They also have a few rules: Once Steve gets home, no talking about the company. If there’s anything that needs to be discussed, they’ll talk it over the phone the next morning when Steve’s in the office.

Their two children, Jason and Lisa, aren’t in the business — and don’t plan on joining anytime soon. “I always thought we should let them live their dream and do what they want to do,” says Steve. Just before this interview, Steve and Pam spoke to their son who just got engaged to his girlfriend in Europe.

Another big milestone for the couple (and company)? The Chesterfield Shop celebrated its 75th anniversary in February. They celebrated that with a big promotion: 75 days of savings, a giveaway for a flat screen TV and bottles of sparkling wine with their special 75th anniversary logo on it. They plan to do another promo for the second half of the year. “It’s important to innovate, have fun and enjoy what you’re doing,” says Steve.

So what now? Opening another store location isn’t off the table, but they want to be careful about expanding, he says, because the more stores you have, the harder it becomes to maintain the people-centric approach that defines their customer service philosophy. For now, “I’m really looking forward to Year 76,” says Steve. “And step by step. We are very proud of what we do. Not only are we a long-term retailer, but we are also honest and respectful. That’s a legacy I know my father wanted to leave.

Trend Alert: With the colorful sofa craze still going strong, a green sofa is practically neutral

Sure, investing in a neutral sofa is the safer choice, but “safe” design choices rarely fail to impress. Brighten up your living room with a sofa set in a saturated hue – from a rich emerald green to a royal blush or a zesty merlot. “People after the pandemic are just ready to mix it up,” says Pam. “People stayed at home for three years and sat on their old ones [sofa].” Steve agrees: “Have a little whimsy. Think outside the box.”

Emerald green elegance

Introducing the new classic sofa. Green velvet has been so popular in recent seasons that it’s actually neutral at the moment. Combine it with warm wood, mixed metals and lots of greenery. The gold-toned temples are like earrings with an outfit — they complete the look.

Peacock punch

If you’re looking for a more traditional silhouette, this jewel-toned roll-arm sofa is for you. Made with Canadian building materials and custom made, it comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations so you can find your perfect match.

Gold glamour

Even on the gloomiest of days, this vibrant golden sectional is like a ray of sunshine in your living room. It feels as retro as it is contemporary with the padded back, cushions and cotton blend velvet fabric. Plus, it only takes five minutes to assemble.

Red rapture

Luxurious, artful and elegant, this merlot velvet sofa features beautiful curves, round solid walnut legs and a frame made of certified sustainable hardwood that has been kiln dried to prevent warping.

blush beauty

This curvaceous three-seater sofa with matte gold-plated legs exudes modern Bridgerton vibes. It also comes in a smaller loveseat that’s just as Instagrammable.

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