Finkenberg's Sons Furniture
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (Furniture) |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Founder | Adolph Finkenberg |
| Defunct | 1948 |
| Fate | Acquired and rebranded as Finkenberg’s Furniture Co. |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | New York metropolitan area |
Key people | Adolph Finkenberg, Edward Finkenberg, Sam Finkenberg, Frederick Finkenberg, Israel Finkenberg |
| Products | Furniture |
Finkenberg’s Sons Furniture was a high-end furniture department store chain located in New York City, operating from 1870 until 1948.
History
Established in Manhattan in 1870, Finkenberg’s Sons Furniture Inc. grew by 1940 to become one of the most extensive furniture retail networks within the New York metropolitan area. Following the death of Adolph Finkenberg in 1914, leadership transitioned to his four eldest sons: Edward, Sam, Frederick, and Israel.
The discontinuation of the ferry service between Yorkville, Manhattan and Queens in 1919 hindered access to the company’s headquarters at 2279 Third Avenue. To address this issue, Frederick Finkenberg joined the board overseeing the Triborough Bridge project aimed at enhancing connectivity to Manhattan. Ten years later, as Chairman of the Reception Committee, he played a key role in organizing the bridge’s inauguration event, which was attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, and Governor Herbert H. Lehman.
In 1927, the flagship location debuted in a five-story building covering an entire block opposite Bloomingdale's. This store showcased the first Jumbo Philco, advertised as the largest radio globally.
Despite the challenges posed by the Great Depression, Finkenberg’s Sons continued its growth, inaugurating a new store across the Hudson River in 1938, followed by a substantial outlet at 36th Street and Eighth Avenue in 1939.
The company was among the first in the United States to introduce a layaway payment system and was recognized for its slogan: “Friendly credit since 1870.” Its innovative approach to financing was highlighted during a 1941 broadcast on the Philco Playhouse Network.
In 1948, Finkenberg’s Sons was acquired and rebranded as Finkenberg’s Furniture Co. The midtown store located between 58th and 59th Streets, Lexington, and Third Avenues was transformed into an Alexander's Department Store.
Adolph Finkenberg played a foundational role in establishing New York City’s Temple Israel, actively supported orphan care organizations, and provided refuge for African Americans during racial unrest in the early 20th century. His legacy reflects a blend of business leadership and social commitment. Adolph, his wife Emma, their eight children, and spouses are buried together in the family mausoleum at Mount Hope Cemetery in New York.