In an era of big-box stores and internet sales, Mike Kaplan is keeping his century-old family furniture business current and thriving. Palisade Furniture in Englewood was started by his great-grandfather in 1919. Mike took over in 2001, when his father became ill and he himself was concurrently downsized from the Wall Street firm where he had been working. “It was a godsend, really,” Kaplan said. “I was destined to be here.”
Kaplan moved the showroom five years ago, to 185 South Dean Street, and expanded it last year. Formerly spread out between two industrial buildings, the showroom is now fresh and contemporary—like the furniture. He favors clean lines with neutral palettes and pops of color.
As a small business, Kaplan is not locked into investing in a large inventory of a particular design; he can choose individual pieces that customers can order and customize to their taste. He looks for solid wood, quality construction and good value—American-made when possible. Know your purpose, Kaplan advised. You’ll have different criteria if you need something just for show, or to throw your keys on, or if you want furniture that can stand up to years of constant use. Fabric is more rugged today, Kaplan noted, and made for a variety of uses. Fabrics can be indoor/outdoor and stain resistant. No need to panic when grape soda meets your new couch. Try to visualize the item with your taste; it can be made with different color fabrics, arms, backs and feet. And if you see something on the showroom floor that’s exactly what you want, chances are you can bring it home at a substantial discount.
Kaplan works with designers as well as customers who are looking for that one accent piece or a complete room. Gila Jaffe, an interior designer in Teaneck, said Palisade Furniture is always her first stop with clients. “Michael is so knowledgeable; he knows all the companies and only sells products he believes in.” Jaffe said Palisade Furniture carries lines for every budget, and gets the best product for the price, allowing her to bring in clients with varying needs.
While the showroom has representative pieces from manufacturers, that’s just a small part of what Palisade Furniture can offer. “Most of what I buy is not on the floor,” Jaffe explained. I choose from catalogs—but I can bring the client to the piece on the floor to show the company’s finish and style. You can have one chair made 15 different ways!”
Kaplan’s ability to take the stress out of choosing, buying and delivering furniture keeps Jaffe coming back. “Mike is a pleasure to work with. If a piece comes damaged or flawed he takes care of it right away, repairing, refinishing or replacing as needed. If there’s a delay he will get me a loaner. His motto is ‘There’s not a problem that can’t be fixed.’”
It’s not unusual for customers to tell Kaplan they knew his parents or grandparents. Or tell him about growing up in a bedroom set from Palisade Furniture and now they’re shopping for their own children. Kaplan loves being part of a community, where people know they can count on him and trust him to ensure that any potential problem will be corrected.
“There’s really no secret to my success,” mused Kaplan, when asked how the business has prospered through the years. “High-quality furnishings and being good to people—fair and honest. I meet a lot of nice people and have fun, too. Every day is an adventure.”
By Bracha Schwartz
