2 Brothers Who Founded Giant House of Fabrics Chain Retire

The two brothers who turned a shop on Wilshire Boulevard into what is now House of Fabrics, the nation’s largest chain of retail fabric stores, announced their retirement from the business Tuesday.

David I. Sofro, 74, who was chairman and chief executive, and Charles Sofro, 69, who was founding chairman and before that vice chairman, will remain as directors and consultants. The two started the business in 1932; it is now based in Sherman Oaks.

Barney Sofro, 44, most recently the vice chairman, will replace his father as chairman. Gary Larkins, 43, president and chief operating officer of the company since June, 1985, will take on the additional title of chief executive.

The company said it has no plans to fill the vice chairman post. For the year ended Jan. 31, House of Fabrics earned $4.3 million on sales of $286.7 million from 735 stores in 43 states.