Riley’s Furniture & Flooring marks 60 years

MILLERTON — Riley’s Furniture & Flooring in Millerton celebrates 60 years in business this year.

Owner Tom Riley’s history in the business stretches back to 1957, when he applied for work at Bloch Furniture right out of high school. Starting at the bottom as a delivery person, he broadened his knowledge of the furniture business over the next 28 years.

On Sept. 3, 1985, Riley purchased the business from Mort Bloch. That same year, Riley’s son Brian began working in the store, followed by Riley’s daughter, Cindy, and then his sons Jeffrey and Greg. 

By 1987, the store outgrew its small space, located in the store that is now home to the Millerton Antiques Center.

“My father saw an opportunity that the former store owner didn’t,” Brian Riley said. Under Tom Riley’s direction, the business enjoyed immediate success.

 “In two years, it went kind of crazy,” Brian Riley said.

The business moved to its current, larger location at 122 Route 44, the Millerton Square plaza, in October 1999.

The business isn’t just in the town; the owners and staff also try to be part of the community by helping those in need, donating bedding for example to families whose homes have burned down.

“We’ve had people coming over from Bosnia who needed furniture supplied to them as they were just starting out in a new country,” Brian Riley said.

The store interacts with the community in more upbeat ways, as well. Brian recalled a time when the store had its own baseball team, which was comprised of Riley family members and employees. 

Looking back on the store’s achievements, he said that of particular importance is the fact that the store has provided a livelihood for so many people over the years. Today, Brian and his brother Jeffrey continue to work in their father’s business and are proud to say that they have not laid anyone off over the years. 

“It’s almost like Millerton was my hometown,” said Tom Riley, who lives in Cornwall (Brian lives in Sharon). “We’ve made so many friends from our customers.”

To find out about the store’s Deal of the Day, see samples of the products and check store hours, go to www.rileysfurnitureflooring.com.