Fourth-generation furnishings

Noaki Schwartz

Somewhere in the Glabman showrooms, among the chintz, mahogany and

upholstered walls, are the ghosts of four generations.

This year marks the furniture company’s 100th anniversary. But, perhaps

even more commendable is the fact that Glabman’s is one of the last

remaining furniture businesses in the nation that even after four

generations is still family-run.

Jim Glabman, who is chairman of the company’s board of directors,

explained how his family’s tradition works.

“One of the main facets is love and respect,” he said. “The second facet

and very important is that a father cannot be afraid to let his son make

a mistake. That’s how a family business survives.”

His son and the company’s vice president, Brian Glabman, is also as proud

of the family heritage as he is of the products they sell.

“[The styles] run from contemporary to very traditional hand-carved

[pieces],” he said. “We focus on providing the best quality at terrific

value.”

It all began when Brian’s great-grandfather, Morris Glabman, immigrated

from Russia in the 1800s. He would make his daily rounds with his

pushcart in Chicago, offering to refinish furniture.

In the 1880s, Morris made a deal with Sears. With its support, Morris

slowly built a business and eventually brought the rest of the family to

the U.S.

With the family behind him, he established Glabman Bros. in 1900.

Morris’ son, Donald Glabman, was another risk-taker. He left for the West

Coast and in 1948 opened his first store in California. Since then, the

Newport Beach family has built five other shops in California, including

the flagship store in Costa Mesa.

What is particularly unique about the store is that it offers full

service -- from refurbishing pieces, to interior design to delivery.

On the most detailed level, it’s all kept within Glabman’s -- within the

family. The interior design of each room at the store changes

periodically to give customers an idea of how they might use the

furniture.

While primarily contemporary, the family chooses furniture from all over

the world. This spring, they plan to open an antiques division in the

Costa Mesa shop.

“We’re working at the wholesale level,” Brian said, noting that they can

offer the best quality at the most reasonable price.