BOCA RATON — SKLAR Furnishings, contemporary furniture retailers and interior space designers, is marking its 10th anniversary this month.
Opening at 6300 North Federal Highway in 2002 with seven employees, SKLAR now employs 28 and generates $10 million in annual sales, with a steady growth each year, even during the height of the recession.
SKLAR attributes its growth to its core philosophies: Item customization, product quality and dedicated customer service. “While the economy has tightened in recent years, we have never veered from our commitment to quality and our thoughtful customization and attention to client needs,” said Rick Howard, who, with his wife, Pat Howard, owns SKLAR Furnishings.
“We were leaders in the green movement, being among the first in the nation to promote and use LED lighting and other steps to drastically reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rick.
The Howards are considered leaders in the contemporary and green furnishings movement with Rick Howard serving as the executive vice president of the National Home Furnishings Association and SKLAR contributing to the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
SKLAR has successfully positioned the company as one of the nation’s premier contemporary furniture retailers by providing consistently high levels of design and personalized service. The Howards travel the world annually searching for not only the latest in design trends, but to carefully select the manufacturers and designers of furniture to ensure premium quality. Every SKLAR supplier, spanning Italy,Scandinavia,Canada and the U.S., is scrutinized for its ability to produce high quality distinctive, superior designer furnishings, as well as their ability to consistently ship free of damage in a timely fashion.
In addition, the Howards and their team at SKLAR are very involved in the community, contributing to Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County where Rick serves on the board of directors, and Boca Helping Hands, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the Junior League of Boca Raton, Tri County Humane Society, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation and the Boca Raton Museum of Art.
“We care very much about the community in which we live and conduct business,” said Pat Howard. “We actively support local non-profits and encourage it throughout our corporate culture.”
SKLAR also offers full-service, personalized design services for its clients. Design services include consultation, planning, selection of draperies, wall coverings, carpets, broadloom, hard surface flooring, all there to create a seamless and cohesive look. SKLAR’s 23,000 square foot showroom represents only a partial selection of products and services SKLAR provides to its clients.
SKLAR employs a team of sales and design experts and trained professionals. Many have been with SKLAR since it opened. Each employee goes through extensive training to ensure that they are well informed of all aspects of the business.
SKLAR recently expanded its warehouse space, based in Deerfield Beach, to accommodate its business growth. While many of SKLAR’s customers reside in South Florida, from Miami to Jupiter, they have a number of clients throughout the U.S.,Canada and the Caribbean.