For generations of families across the Hudson Valley and beyond, Royal Furniture of Port Jervis has been more than a furniture store—it has been a trusted part of their homes and lives. Founded in 1929, the family-owned business continues to thrive under third-generation leadership, with President and owner James Radeloff saying he never takes lightly the responsibility of carrying that legacy forward.
“As Royal Furniture is approaching 100 years old, I know some of the sacrifices that have been made in order to keep the family business running,” Radeloff said. “It was opened during the Great Depression and has survived the wrath of several world wars, the gas crisis, and more recently, the COVID outbreak.”
Each morning when he opens the store, Radeloff is reminded of that history. “I have a photo of Sam, who worked here from 1929 to 1975, and in the same photo is my father-in-law Sol, who worked here from 1955 to 1998,” he shared. “I always tell them, ‘I won’t let you down.’”
Radeloff recalled an old saying in the furniture industry: “The first generation opens it, the second generation grows it, and the third generation ruins it.” He added firmly, “I made a promise to myself that I would never let that happen.”
Adapting to a changing world
One of the greatest challenges during Radeloff’s tenure has been adapting to rapid technological change. “The most challenging obstacle has been the astounding machine known as the internet and cell phones,” he said.
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While online shopping initially posed a threat to traditional retailers, Royal Furniture chose a different path. “We’ve learned to buddy up with those devices and use them to our advantage,” Radeloff explained. Technology has helped with everything from routing delivery trucks to expanding the company’s reach far beyond the region.
“In the past, we made free deliveries to Long Island and New York City weekly,” he said. “Now we have sent furniture to at least 40 different states, which has become a growing sector for us.”
Service at the heart of the business
Despite industry changes, Royal Furniture’s philosophy of personal service has never wavered. “Our service to customers is simple,” Radeloff said. “We try to handle each case as if you were a family member, and we do whatever possible to find a solution to any problem that might arise.”
That commitment has long defined the brand. “For years, when we appeared on radio and television, our closing line was always, ‘For sales and service, it’s Royal Furniture in Port Jervis.’”
Offering a wide range of services has also helped the store stand out. Royal Furniture provides free delivery using its own trucks, in-home design consultations by experienced decorators, and multiple shopping options through both its main Pike Street showroom and its Outlet Store on Front Street.
“We always wanted to offer the best options so customers would want to shop with us,” Radeloff said. “Our main store offers three levels of quality furniture with thousands of options and colors to help customers design their dream home. The possibilities are endless.”
Why customers keep coming back
According to Radeloff, customer loyalty comes down to three things: “The employees, the quality of the furniture, and the showroom.”
“The employees are a group of dedicated local people who have trained hard so every question may be answered,” he said. “The furniture we display is some of the finest you can buy, and much of it is made in the USA, including many Amish companies we’ve partnered with.”
Those efforts have not gone unnoticed. Royal Furniture has been named a top store by Sussex County voters for five consecutive years and recently received the Best Furniture Store in the Hudson Valley award.
“But we’re not looking to gain your business once,” Radeloff emphasized. “We’re looking for a relationship that makes Royal the place to go to from generation to generation.”
Deep roots in the community
Community involvement is another pillar of Royal Furniture’s success. “I firmly believe that being part of the community is important in today’s business climate,” Radeloff said. “We have to help each other.”
The store regularly supports local hospitals, police events, schools across three states, and at least ten football programs at various levels. Just as importantly, Royal Furniture connects visitors to other local businesses. “We recommend hotels, restaurants, electricians, plumbers—it’s great to be surrounded by so many professionals here.”
Looking forward
As Royal Furniture looks ahead, Radeloff says challenges remain—but so does optimism. Reflecting on his four decades with the company, he shared the lessons that continue to guide him.
“With hard work, dedication, and persistence, you can make anything happen,” he said. “You can’t do things alone, and I’m grateful to have a fantastic group of people working with us.”
He added with a smile, “I remember my professor drilling into our heads: ‘Early to bed, early to rise, work like heck, and advertise.’ And that I do.”
Royal Furniture welcomes customers to visit both its Pike Street showroom and its Front Street Outlet to experience the tradition, service, and quality that have defined the store for generations.
