The end of an era: Riley’s Furniture & Flooring to close

MILLERTON — After celebrating its 60th anniversary last year, Millerton residents were surprised to see a large “Store Closing” banner draped above the entrance to Riley’s Furniture & Flooring announcing its decision to close up shop.

Originally known as Bloch Furniture, Riley’s Furniture & Flooring owner Tom Riley started working there in 1957 before purchasing the store from retiring owner Mort Bloch on Sept. 3, 1985. By 1987, the business outgrew what is now the Millerton Antique Center, and shifted to its present location in the Millerton Square plaza on Route 44 in October of 1999.

Riley has served three generations of customers as well as worked alongside members of his family. To date, he has six employees, three of whom are Riley family members. Yet Riley decided that this year would be his last year in Millerton, though the decision was a heartbreaking one to make.

Riley acknowledged that the decision couldn’t be traced back to just one factor, but to many: from the change in how customers buy their furniture to the absence of younger generations in the area due to housing costs, his decision was multi-fold, particularly in how online shopping has taken a toll on retail businesses.

“Our business has always been based on our services and being there for the customers,” Riley said, “and that’s what’s kept our business as successful as it was.”

When he announced the news to his family and employees, he said everyone was heartbroken.

“You can’t keep going unless you’re making a profit,” Riley said. “It was the last thing I wanted to do. I love the business, I love the people … and I’ve got to let everything go.”

Riley and his employees put up “Going Out of Business” and “Store Closing” signs on Friday, Nov. 2, to announce a going-out-of-business sale. Even without advertising, they were surprised by how many customers responded. For the time being, the sale will continue until most of the store’s inventory is sold; whatever merchandise is left over will most likely be taken care of by a liquidator, Riley said. 

Riley’s Furniture & Flooring’s last day of business will be Monday, Dec. 31. Regarding the legacy his family and business have left on the local area, Riley said, “I think we’re leaving as a very respected business where you always try to take care of the customer.”

As an employee of Riley’s Furniture & Flooring for 14 years, Kelley Roger said, “Tom is an awesome man. He’s been absolutely amazing to work for… and it’s just been a great business.”

For more information, call Riley’s at 518-789-4641.