Press

Jerome’s Receives the San Diego National Bank Founders Award

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.