Press Releases:

Quick Links:

Jerome’s Invites Community to Grand Opening in Murrieta

New showroom opens its doors on Saturday, February 13 with fun to be enjoyed by the whole family.

SAN DIEGO — (February 9, 2010)
WHAT:
Family owned and operated, Jerome’s Furniture (Jerome’s), founded in 1954 and regarded as the best furniture retailer for value and a wide selection of products, is officially opening the doors of its newest store in the City of Murrieta, which serves the city and surrounding areas including Temecula, California.   

Community members are invited to Jerome’s Grand Opening to enjoy festivities throughout the day, including an official ribbon cutting with business, community and city leadership support at 9:50 a.m. This presentation will be followed by an open house event with cheerful clowns who will give out animal-shaped balloons and provide face-painting.  Complimentary coffee and pastries from Village Java will be provided from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  There will be chances to win furniture prizes from Jerome’s extensive product inventory and more!

WHERE:
24410 Village Walk Place, Murrieta California 92562
Located right off the I-15 freeway, exit California Oaks Road.  Continue onto Kalmia Street.  Turn right at Becerra Dr./Garrison St. Continue onto Village Walk Place.  Look for the large balloon on top of the new Jerome’s showroom!

WHEN:
Saturday, February 13, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Grand Opening Festivities
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Local Radio Station, KFROG will be airing LIVE
9:50 a.m. SHARP – Ribbon-cutting with representatives from the City of Murrieta.

WHO:   
City of Murrieta Mayor Pro-Tem Randon Lane
City of Murrieta Councilmember Rick Gibbs
Bruce Coleman, Economic Development Director of the City of Murrieta, Economic Development Dept.
Jerry Navarra, Chairman of Jerome’s
Lee Goodman, President and CEO of Jerome’s
Jerome’s employees and families
Community members and local leadership

“The fact that Jerome’s continues to expand while other stores in the furniture industry close is a testament to our customer service and incredible prices, as well as the loyalty of our customers,” said Lee Goodman, president and CEO of Jerome’s.

Noted as the “Best Furniture Store” by the San Diego Union-Tribune reader’s poll consecutively for nine years, Jerome’s remains committed to providing low prices everyday that have become recognized as “Jerry’s Price”, which means that customers don’t have to wait to get the best deals or navigate through retailer gimmicks and promotions.  The Showroom is approximately 40,000 square feet and encompasses Jerome’s most popular departments including: Kidz to Teens; Leather; Dining; Jerome’s Dream Shop (mattresses); living room; baby; entertainment; and home office.


San Diego-based Jerome’s Furniture Expands into Murrieta

New store location brings discount furniture retailer chain to six showrooms across Southern California

SAN DIEGO — (February 1, 2010) — Jerome’s Furniture (Jerome’s), founded in 1954 and regarded as the best furniture retailer for value and a wide selection of products, announced today its new store opening in the City of Murrieta, which serves the city and surrounding areas including Temecula, California.  The new location signals the furniture retailer’s ambition to increase its footprint, making products available to more consumers across southern California.  

Family owned and operated, Jerome’s Furniture will employ 370 people with the addition of the new Murrieta Showroom to its company make-up. Noted as the “Best Furniture Store” by the San Diego Union-Tribune reader’s poll consecutively for nine years, Jerome’s remains committed to providing low prices everyday that have become recognized as “Jerry’s Price”, which means that customers don’t have to wait to get the best deals or navigate through retailer gimmicks and promotions.  The company has earned a reputation for convenience to customers with standards that include Same Day Delivery on orders placed before 6:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Located right off the I-15 freeway at 24410 Village Walk Place in Murrieta, just a few miles north of Temecula, the new Jerome’s location will serve the inland empire region, an area the company has long wanted to be a part of. Neighborhoods in Temecula and Murrieta offer families the ability to create beautiful home environments with backyards for fun and play, as well as wine country just minutes away, all resulting in population growth along the I-15 corridor.  The Showroom will be approximately 40,000 square feet and will encompass Jerome’s most popular departments including: Kidz to Teens; Leather; Dining; Jerome’s Dream Shop (mattresses); living room; baby; entertainment; and home office.

City of Murrieta Mayor Kelly Bennett indicated that “The City of Murrieta is very excited that Jerome’s Furniture will be opening in the former Levitz building at the Village Walk shopping center - a highly visible location at the I-15/California Oaks Road interchange.”  She continued, “Jerome’s is a well respected, highly successful retailer, and we welcome them to the City of Murrieta.  The City has fast tracked the permits within one day, and they will open before the President’s Day holiday.”

The new Jerome’s location will be employing 35-40 employees. The office manager is Cheyney Stivalet, who will oversee the office within the store, finalizing sales and arranging necessary financing. The location’s sales manager overseeing sales, customer service and interior design will be Ali Tommalieh.

“Our customers drive to our various locations far and wide across San Diego County, especially from Murrieta,” said Lee Goodman, president and CEO of Jerome’s Furniture. “As a family-owned business that provides value to our customers with quality products at a price people can afford, we feel that the Jerome’s brand resonates well with consumers in Temecula and the surrounding areas. There’s a large make-up of hard working families that we believe will continue to become Jerome’s customers for life and welcome our furnishings into their home.”

Jerome’s has recently seen an uptick in sales from consumers that may have paid more with other retailers and now seek value and style at Jerry’s price. With Jerome’s, customers can find the same style as top retail stores that compare in style, while being incomparable with an unbeatable price. Their prices are negotiated with the manufacturers directly to provide the best possible prices, everyday.  

“The fact that Jerome’s continues to expand while other stores in the furniture industry close is a testament to our customer service and incredible prices, as well as the loyalty of our customers,” continued Goodman.

Flocke & Avoyer Commercial Real Estate (Brad Williams and Steve Avoyer) and SENTRE Partners (Doug Arthur) represented Jerome’s in the lease transaction.  

About Jerome’s
Founded in 1954, Jerome's Furniture is a family owned and operated business headquartered in San Diego, Calif. with six showrooms and six clearance centers located across Southern California and an e-commerce website providing avenues for consumers to enjoy online furniture viewing and buying.  Regarded fondly by generations of families in San Diego, Jerome’s is known as the best furniture retailer for value (“Jerry’s Price”) and a wide selection of products.  Recognized as the 2008 Retailer of the Year by the Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and Honoree of the San Diego National Bank Founders Award along with numerous business recognitions as the best furniture store, customers know they can count on Jerome’s to make it easy to shop for furniture with service support including interior design, same day delivery and financing.  More information can be found by visiting www.jeromes.com.

Jerome's Greatest Hits of 2009

San Diego's favorite furniture retailer wraps up 55th year in business with gratitude, setting the stage for another successful year ahead!

SAN DIEGO — December 22, 2009 – Jerome’s Furniture (Jerome’s) today released its “Greatest Hits of 2009, ” in remembrance of the company’s top 10 highlights throughout the year.  In addition to celebrating its 55th year in business, Jerome’s is most proud of its close community ties and its ongoing recognition as one of San Diego’s most well-known and trusted brands. 


“2009 was a special year for us for many reasons, not only because we marked our 55th year in business, but because we successfully developed new ways of interacting with and supporting our loyal customers,” said Lee Goodman, president and CEO of Jerome’s.  “San Diego is our hometown and has been good to us through the years, so it is our ongoing priority to create new opportunities to participate in and give back to the community.  With several exciting campaigns on the horizon, we are looking forward to the New Year.”


Jerome’s Greatest Hits of 2009:


1)    Jerome’s Celebrated 55 Years in Business

Having celebrated this significant milestone, the family-owned business continues to rely heavily on leaders within the Navarra family, as well as the strategic leadership of top executives including Lee Goodman, CEO and COO, and Dave Brunson, director of sales, who bring experience and a fresh perspective to the brand.


2)    Jerome’s Home Makeover Contest with 10News

In celebration of National Home Furnishings Month, Jerome’s offered San Diegans the chance to win a home makeover each month, from September through December.  In partnership with 10News, the campaign awarded 4 local families with an in-home design consultation, personal shopping services, a customized floor plan, color scheme, furniture and accessories.  Each winning family received home makeovers valued from $2,500 to $8,000!


3)    Jerome’s Hosted Amazing Race Auditions!

More than # people descended upon Jerome’s’ Morena showroom parking lot in March, hoping to be selected as a contestant on this season’s very popular Amazing Race program on CBS.  Coincidentally, this season’s winners - Meghan Rickey and Cheyne Whitney – were two San Diegans!


 4)    Jerome’s & ArtReach

This year Jerome’s supported ArtReach, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing arts education to elementary schools in San Diego (www.artreachsandiego.org).  In the fall, Jerome’s hosted students from the Boys and Girls Club of 4S Ranch to a special class where they were asked to use their creativity and imagination to design their “dream rooms.”


5)     Jerome’s “Best Seat in the House.”

San Diegans know that there is no better seat at Petco Park than the one offered by Jerome’s!  During the 2009 baseball season, Jerome’s awarded this special seat to more than 160 Padres fans.


6)    Jerome’s “Best Seat at the Q”

A newer campaign based on the success of the Padres’ “Best Seat…” Jerome’s has brought the same luxury of winning this coveted seat to Chargers fans!


7)    “Jerry’s Price”

With financial hardship facing many San Diegans this year, customers were able to rely on Jerome’s guaranteed “Jerry’s Price all year long.  In fact, the company saw an uptick in its higher-end items, which demonstrated that customers who typically purchased items from higher-ticket stores turned to Jerome’s to find savvy, yet affordable, style.


8)    Launch of JClub Design Team

San Diegans learned to tips and advice to create their own personal style and decorate their homes with JClub in-store events & resources on the Web!  Stay tuned for JClub events in 2010!


9)    Jerome’s & YMCA of South Bay

To support community goodwill, Jerome’s provided a special place for teenagers to engage in a safe environment.


10)     Best Seats for the Firehouse!

Jerome’s donated more than 40 recliners to San Diego Firefighters, as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service to our community.  The furniture was distributed to fire stations across the county, offering a new place for our hometown heroes to relax during their down time.


About Jerome’s

Founded in 1954, Jerome's Furniture is a family owned and operated business headquartered in San Diego, Calif. with five showrooms and six clearance centers located across the county and an e-commerce website providing avenues for consumers to enjoy online furniture viewing and buying.  Regarded fondly by generations of families in San Diego, Jerome’s is known as the best furniture retailer for value (“Jerry’s Price”) and a wide selection of products.  Recognized as the 2008 Retailer of the Year by the Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and Honoree of the San Diego National Bank Founders Award along with numerous business recognitions as the best furniture store, customers know they can count on Jerome’s to make it easy to shop for furniture with service support including interior design, same day delivery and financing.  More information can be found by visiting www.jeromes.com.

 

Jerome’s Welcomes 2009 Padres Baseball Season with Excitement for “Best Seat in the House”

January 13, 2009

SAN DIEGO  — Celebrating 55 years in San Diego, Jerome’s Furniture is proud to officially announce its special “Best Seat in the House” promotion for the Padres Baseball Club 2009 season at Petco Park! As a company focused on providing the best furnishings for San Diegans, Jerome’s is dedicated to supporting local institutions and shares in the celebration of the Padres’ 40th anniversary year in San Diego, the Club’s 5th year at Petco Park. 


Jerome’s “Best Seat in the House” contest gives customers an opportunity to visit any of the company’s five local showrooms throughout the baseball season to enter a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Petco Park! Winners are selected in a random drawing before each home game. 


The “Best Seat in the House” experience includes two tickets to enjoy a Padres game from special field-view seating in comfortable, leather recliner seating from Jerome’s Furniture.  The recipients delight in using a $40 voucher for “PETCO Cash” at the event to buy food and drinks; participation in another contest with the Padres to “Name that Friar” for a chance to win a $250 gift certificate to Jerome’s or opt for a Queen Mattress from Sleep Therapy or Simmons Beautyrest; a prize bag full of goodies from Jerome’s and the Padres; and recognition during the game over Petco Park’s PA system where thousands of San Diegans cheer on the winners!


“We’re excited to share in the celebration of the Padres Baseball Season and welcome Jeff Moorad and his family to San Diego,” said Jerry Navarra, chairman of Jerome’s.  “We look forward to a successful season ahead and many more to come in our partnership together to bring the best to San Diego!”  


Jerome’s third generation of the family business continues to serve in leadership roles to further create opportunities to celebrate with San Diego during the company’s 55 anniversary year with more exciting promotions planned for the year.  The company has launched a quarterly series of special events to showcase the interior design expertise and services; conducts charitable giving; and celebrates San Diego’s well-known “Best Seat” promotions.  San Diegans are getting to know their familiar Jerome’s brand in a new light with the launch of new programs like “JClub” designed to provide customers with the latest trends in interior design combined with tried-and-true design philosophies that have withstood the test of time. 

 

Jerome’s Furniture Celebrates 55 Years in San Diego

Company demonstrates family legacy, consumer loyalty and bright future


January 13, 2009

SAN DIEGO, CA —Family-owned and operated, Jerome’s Furniture is proud to celebrate its 55th year in business since its founding in 1954 by Jim and Esther Navarra.  The award-winning company has been continually recognized for its achievements in furniture retail and business leadership, its everyday low prices, friendly customer service and wide selection of products exclusively for San Diego consumers.  The Jerome’s brand is a well-known institution within San Diego’s business landscape and the third generation of the family business continues to serve in leadership roles to further position the company for a strong future.  

Jerome’s dominance in the San Diego furniture market is demonstrated by its magnitude and customer appeal throughout the County.  With a fleet of over 30 delivery trucks providing ‘same-day delivery’, the company is a mainstay in the marketplace.  Led by President and CEO Lee Goodman, along with the guidance of a Board of Directors including Chairman Jerry Navarra and members of the Navarra family, Jerome’s stands out as a multi-million dollar business employing 380 people with six locations across San Diego County.  For a company that once celebrated benchmarks of $20,000 in gross revenues in a given day in the 1970s, it now has noted benchmarks in excess of a half a million dollars in a single day.

Key attributes to the company’s growth in the furniture retail business over the decades include: an investment and focus on the San Diego marketplace; a highly-developed business model focused on providing value; a smart technology-driven infrastructure that provides exceptional cost-efficiencies and expedited deliveries; and a consistent dedication to customer satisfaction.  Jerome’s knows that it’s in the ‘relationship business’ and boasts exceptional relationships with its manufacturers, loyal and new customers, and dedicated employees to mark its success in reaching this milestone 55th anniversary year.   

Jerome’s sells furniture for the home and home office, as well as mattresses and decorative accessories representing a wide array of top brands including Sleep Therapy, Simmons Beautyrest, Serta, Sweda, Vera Wang, Hamilton & Spill, Kathy Ireland Furniture and more.  

“We’re thankful for the generations of families who have made Jerome’s part of their home to bring us to this celebratory anniversary year,” said Jerry Navarra, chairman of Jerome’s.  “Over 55 years, Jerome’s has maintained an unwavering commitment to provide the best furniture buying experience for San Diegans.”

Jerome’s is launching its 55-year anniversary with a series of special events to showcase the interior design expertise and services; charitable giving; and celebration of San Diego’s well-known ‘Best Seat’ promotions.  Throughout the year, locals will get to know their familiar Jerome’s brand in a new light with the launch of new programs designed to provide customers with the latest trends in interior design combined with tried and true design philosophies that have withstood the test of time. Every winner of the ‘Best Seat at Petco Park’ and ‘Best Seat at the Q’ at Qualcomm Stadium for the baseball and football seasons will also participate in Jerome’s anniversary celebration with additional, exclusive special touches to their experience.

“This celebratory year, Jerome’s is working even more aggressively to provide the best value to its customers during these challenging economic times,” said Lee Goodman, president and CEO of Jerome’s.  “Our design team and buyers are working closely to ensure our products reflect the latest styles and trends that have staying power and we’re excited to launch new programs this year that will bring greater appeal.”

Jerome’s equity in the community is one of the cornerstones to what has built its trust with San Diegans over the years.  Local households know Jerry Navarra as a trusted spokesperson for the company, supporting Jerome’s mission to be an easy place for individuals and families to shop while knowing they are getting value.  With charitable giving at the core of Jerome’s business values, the company donates time and funds to various non-profits including Business Link at USD; Cox Kids Foundation; San Diego Food Bank; San Diego Women’s Foundation; South Bay Community Services; YWCA’s Becky’s House; countless sports and education programs throughout the County; and more.

Recognized as a trusted and award-winning company, most recently, Jerome’s earned the San Diego National Bank Founders Award at the San Diego Business Journal’s 2008 Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Awards Ceremony; was crowned ‘Retailer of the Year’ in 2008 by Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA); and earned the Torch Award from the San Diego Better Business Bureau in 2006.
###

About Jerome’s
Founded in 1954, Jerome's Furniture is a family owned and operated business headquartered in San Diego, Calif. with five showroom and six clearance centers located across the county and an e-commerce website providing avenues for consumers to enjoy furniture buying.  Regarded fondly by generations of families in San Diego, Jerome’s is known as the best furniture retailer for value (“Jerry’s Price”) and a wide selection of products.  Recognized as the 2008 Retailer of the Year by the Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and Honoree of the San Diego National Bank Founders Award along with numerous business recognitions as the best furniture store, customers know they can count on Jerome’s to make it easy to shop for furniture with service support including interior design, same day delivery and financing.  More information can be found by visiting www.jeromes.com.
Jerome’s Locations:
 
Jerome’s Locations for San Diego Food Bank Food Donations:
•    San Diego Showroom & Clearance Center - 1190 West Morena Blvd., San Diego
•    El Cajon Showroom & Clearance Center - 333 N. Johnson Ave., El Cajon
•    Scripps Ranch Showroom & Clearance Center -10724 Treena St., Scripps Ranch
•    Chula Vista Showroom & Clearance Center - 775 Plaza Court, Chula Vista
•    San Marcos Showroom & Clearance Center -780 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos
•    Customer Pick-Up/Clearance - 16960 Mesamint St., San Diego


Jerome’s Receives the San Diego National Bank Founders Award

November 24, 2008

SAN DIEGO, CA — Family-owned and operated in San Diego, Jerome’s Furniture today officially announced to customers that the company was awarded with the San Diego National Bank Founders Award at the 2008 Family-Owned & Closely-Held Business Awards Ceremony, hosted by the San Diego Business Journal at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar.

On November 5, nearly 400 guests attended the ceremony, which recognized the accomplishments of businesses in San Diego County that are family owned or closely held. Nine businesses were honored in three categories — small, medium and large, and four Special Diamond Sponsor Awards were given to select participants.  Jerome’s currently employs 370 employees in the county, with seven of those employees being members of the Navarra family.

“We are so honored to receive this award from the San Diego Business Journal,” said Jim Navarra, Marketing Manager, who accepted the award on behalf of Jerome’s. “Jerome’s was started by my grandparents, Jim and Esther Navarra, in 1954, and now, the third generation of the Navarra family is deeply involved in the business. We take great pride in being a family-run company, and having worked together for so many years, we truly understand how to run the business successfully as a family.”

Charitable giving is at the core of Jerome’s business values. As such, the company works with a variety of charities throughout San Diego, including the YWCA’s Becky’s House, a nonprofit shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, and Cortez Hill Family Center, which provides homeless children and their parents with short-term transitional housing.

Additionally, the company also supports My Sister’s Closet Thrift Stores, whose sales proceeds are used to fund the YWCA’s programs and services; the San Diego Women’s Foundation, which educates and inspires women to engage in significant and sustainable philanthropy throughout the San Diego region; and Business Link at USD, which fosters relationships and collaboration between the university and the corporate community.

About Jerome’s
Founded in 1954, Jerome's Furniture is a family owned and operated business headquartered in San Diego, Calif. with five showroom and six clearance centers located across the county and an e-commerce website providing avenues for consumers to enjoy furniture buying.  Regarded fondly by generations of families in San Diego, Jerome’s is known as the best furniture retailer for value (“Jerry’s Price”) and a wide selection of products.  Recognized as the 2008 Retailer of the Year by the Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and Honoree of the San Diego National Bank Founders Award along with numerous business recognitions as the best furniture store, customers know they can count on Jerome’s to make it easy to shop for furniture with service support including interior design, same day delivery and financing.  More information can be found by visiting www.jeromes.com.

Jerome’s Supports San Diego Food Bank Holiday Food Drive

August 23, 2008

SAN DIEGO, CA — Family-owned and operated in San Diego, Jerome’s Furniture officially announced today its company-wide support for The San Diego Food Bank (SDFB) annual Holiday Food Drive running through December 31.   Jerry Navarra, chairman of Jerome’s, is serving as this year’s Honorary Chair of the Food Drive alongside City leaders including Mayor Jerry Sanders, the SDFB’s esteemed Board of Directors, employees and volunteers, to encourage local community members to support donations to the SDFB’s Holiday Food Drive.

“Our father, Jim Navarra, instilled in us the importance of charitable giving – to lend a hand to those who need it,” said Adeline Williams, Human Resources Director for Jerome’s.  “It’s those family values that are ingrained in how we do business today, and why we’re so thankful to be able to support the community.  We’re all proud to be part of the Food Bank’s hugely positive impact for San Diego’s welfare and support Jerry’s leadership role this year.” 

Jerome’s has re-established its company-wide food drive to encourage employees to donate food to the Food Bank and will create drop-off locations at its six local stores to provide an additional venue for the SDFB (located at 9850 Distribution Avenue), VONS, Wells Fargo and other businesses across San Diego, to donate food. 

To further boost community spirit, Jerome’s has provided its ‘Best Seat at the Q’ for the Chargers game on Sunday, November 30.  People who bring donations of food to Jerome’s stores from Saturday, November 15 through Wednesday, November 26 can enter to win the ‘Best Seat at the Q’ experience for two people to enjoy the San Diego Chargers vs. Atlanta Falcons game. The lucky recipients will get to watch the game in the comfort of a Jerome's leather recliner, right on the field!

Winners will be selected in a random drawing and will be contacted by phone on Thursday, November 27. The prize encompasses two tickets to a San Diego Chargers home game at Qualcomm Stadium; on-the-field seats in leather seating recliners from Jerome's; forty dollars in "Q Cash" to buy food & drinks at the game; a $200 Jerome's Furniture Gift Card; and recognition during the game on the Chargers Jumbotron.

“As San Diego’s safety net we need the community’s support now more than ever to meet the huge increase in demand from families affected by the economic crisis. With our supplies running dangerously low we are truly grateful to Jerome’s for helping the Food Bank during our time of need.  Jerome’s support for the San Diego Food Bank demonstrates its commitment to the San Diego community and our shared mission to help families in need this holiday season,” said J. Scofield “Scody” Hage, Executive Director of the San Diego Food Bank.

Throughout the Holiday Food Drive, Navarra will be participating in a host of San Diego Food Bank events including:
•    Hunger at Home Gala Fundraiser at the Torrey Pines Hilton on November 21;
•    Chargers Food Drive on November 23;
•    Thanksgiving Day Run for the Hungry on November 27; and
•    Holiday Bowl Food Drive on December 30.

“The San Diego Food Bank’s annual holiday food drive launch was a proud day for me personally and for our company,” said Navarra.  “The spirit, dedication and commitment of our fellow San Diegans who support the important work of non-profits like the San Diego Food Bank is inspiring.  I’m glad to be part of the effort in this ever-important year for our community’s welfare and support the organization’s vision to end hunger.”

According to U.S. Census data, of San Diego County’s 2.9 million residents, the number of people at risk of hunger stands at 480,000. This represents the number of people living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Of this number, 267,000 are children under 18, and 181,000 are children under 12.

About Jerome’s
Founded in 1954, Jerome's is a family owned and operated business headquartered in San Diego, California with five showroom and clearance centers located across the county and an ecommerce Website providing avenues for consumers to enjoy furniture buying.  Known fondly by generations of families in San Diego, Jerome’s is known as the best furniture retailer for value (‘Jerry’s Price’) and a wide selection of products.  Recognized as the Furniture Retailer of the Year, customers know they can count on Jerome’s to make it easy to shop for furniture with service support including interior design, speedy delivery and financing.  More information can be found by visiting www.jeromes.com.

About donating to Jerome’s Food Drive to benefit San Diego Food Bank:
San Diego Food Bank listed its most needed items for the 2008 Holiday Food Drive, including: canned meats, tuna, canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned beans, canned soups, peanut butter, dry cereal, pasta, rice and macaroni and cheese. 

Jerome’s Locations for San Diego Food Bank Food Donations:
•    San Diego Showroom & Clearance Center - 1190 West Morena Blvd., San Dieg
•    El Cajon Showroom - 333 N. Johnson Ave., El Cajon
•    Scripps Ranch Showroom & Clearance Center -10724 Treena St., Scripps Ranch
•    Chula Vista Showroom & Clearance Center - 775 Plaza Court, Chula Vista
•    San Marcos Showroom & Clearance Center -780 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos
•    Customer Pick-Up/Clearance - 16960 Mesamint St., San Diego

About San Diego Food Bank: Established in 1977, the San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. Through a combination of government programs and partnerships with more than 300 San Diego County non-profit charities, SDFB acts as a central repository and distribution point for government and donated food. Funded by foundations, grants, the USDA, corporations, sponsors and individual donors, SDFB distributes more than 10 million pounds of food annually to individuals, families and a network of non-profit organizations that work to alleviate hunger throughout the county. For more information, please visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org.

Jerome's Furniture Gets Involved with the Community—Donates Dinette to Family

August 23, 2008

SAN DIEGO, CA — When Kimberly Hunt, channel 10 newscaster, called to ask about the cost of dinettes, Jerome’s gave her the price and the dinette—free of charge. A refugee family of four had arrived from French Congo and was in desperate need of help.  On Saturday, August 23, 2008, the family and Channel 10 arrived at Jerome’s Furniture store on Morena blvd. where the Banzee family chose and was presented with a dinette.  Within 2 hours the delivery drivers were at the Banzee family home delivering their new dinette. Thanks to the involved employees whose coordinated effort made this possible.

Jerome’s Furniture, San Diego Named as WHFA 2008 Retailer of the Year

February 19, 2008

SAN DIEGO, CA — The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) announced that Jerome’s Furniture of San Diego is the winner of its annual Retailer of the Year Award. Lee Goodman, President & CEO of Jerome’s Furniture, along with store owners Jerry Navarra, Chairman, and Ann Navarra, Vice-President of Finance, will be honored with the award.

“It’s such a special feeling, frankly, to be recognized by the industry you love so much and enjoy being such a part of,” said Goodman. “For each of our employees, this is a tremendous honor that everyone greatly appreciates,” said Goodman.

Jerome’s Furniture was founded in 1954 by Jim & Esther Navarra, and is still owned and operated by the Navarra family. The 370 employee company features seven Navarra family members, four of whom are third generation retailers. Jerry and Ann Navarra joined the business in the early 1970’s and oversaw the opening in 1979 of their first satellite store in San Marcos. Over the next 10 years, new Jerome’s locations were added in Chula Vista, El Cajon and Scripps Ranch. In 2000, the original store in downtown San Diego was replaced with a large format unit on Morena Boulevard. In 2005, the company streamlined its operations by opening a 450,000 square foot distribution center.

Connection with family continues to play an integral role in the management of Jerome’s and their dealings with their extended workforce. “The strong intra-family ties and commitment to ethical standards are heavily infused into the company’s foundation,” said Jerry Navarra. “Our success resides in our long-term commitment to our customers, community, employees and their families,” said Navarra.

Honoree Lee Goodman, himself a fourth generation member of the industry, also appreciates the values instilled in him by his family and their direct link to his success. Having entered the industry at age seven, emptying ash trays and filling coffee cups in his grandfather’s store, “Summerfields Furniture” in Boston, MA, he fondly recalls his first sale of a lamp at age eight. “I still have my little blue commission tag,” said Goodman.

“When you grow up in this industry, it becomes part of your DNA. It’s just in your blood,” said Goodman. “My earliest childhood memories all involve my grandfather’s store and family celebrations at Washington’s Birthday sales. The industry has been my family ever since I can remember. It was always such a natural feeling. Through my family, I really gained a great exposure to the industry,” said Goodman.

A 1993 graduate of the University of Connecticut, Goodman worked his way through the ranks from his earliest sales at his father’s (Joe Goodman) store, Bob’s Discount Furniture in Connecticut, and developing into Jerome’s Chief Operating Officer in 2006. He accepted his current position of President & CEO in July 2007.

As a company, Jerome’s has always taken an active role in their community through the local Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) programs, the San Diego Women’s Foundation and the Business Link at University of San Diego which fosters relationships and collaboration between the University and corporate community.

Recently, Jerome’s partnered with local ABC television news affiliate, 10 News, on their program Extreme Makeover My Hometown, with a donation of over $10,000 worth of furniture to the project to redo a San Diego women’s shelter. Most recently, Lee Goodman worked with the San Diego Furniture Bank (SDFB) founded in November 2007, in connection with the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA). The SDFB assists victims of all national disasters. Goodman sits on the NHFA Board of Directors, executive committee and is chairman of the NHFA industry technology committee. Goodman also serves on the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA) task force. Jerry Navarra has been a member of the San Diego Better Business Bureau Board of Directors for more than 10 years. Ann Navarra sat on the Board of Directors for both NHFA and WHFA throughout her career of 35 years and was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the City of Hope in 2001.

Jerome’s also participated in 2007 San Diego wildfire relief programs to benefit hundreds of residents who lost homes in the wildfires with special tax consideration to Red Cross and FEMA beneficiaries and discounts on furniture and delivery. The tragedy touched the company in a personal way when a long-time employee of 24 years and his family lost their home in the fires. “Jerome’s warehouse was closed for three days and our business was evacuated. The blessing was that we were able to support our employee. We went through a very tumultuous time during that period, making this award even more special,” said Goodman.

Jerome’s Furniture was selected as Retailer of the Year based on their contributions to the home furnishings industry, service to their community and their personal business achievements and company leadership. Goodman and the Navarra’s will be honored on May 20, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona with an exclusive dinner celebration and awards presentation. The event will take place as the grand finale to WHFA’s May 18-20 all-new 2008 conference & expo.

For more information on Jerome’s Furniture, please contact Adeline Williams, Public Relations Director for Jerome’s Furniture at (858) 753-1549 or anwilliams@jeromes.com.

For more information on taking part in the Retailer of the Year dinner celebration on May 20, 2008 please visit www.WHFAconference.com or call Cindi Williams, WHFA Events Manager at (800) 422-3778.

About the WHFA and NHFA
The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) is the largest affiliate of the NHFA, representing more than 1,100 independent home furnishings retailers in more than 2,800 stores in 12 western states.

National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) is the nation’s largest organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers. NHFA’s membership comprises 2,800 corporate entities representing 10,000 stores in all 50 states and several foreign countries.