n 1945 a family tradition began when brothers Jim and Buddy Rome opened an appliance business on Main Street in Gardner, Massachusetts. A few years later younger brother Joe expanded into the furniture business. It seemed to be the perfect complement to Gardner’s bustling furniture industry.

Rome Furniture continued to evolve to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of the New England consumer while maintaining its “family atmosphere”. From 210 Main Street to 74 Sherman Street to today’s location at 562 Main Street, Rome Furniture has brought new product lines and displays without forsaking the traditional, old-fashioned way of “doing business” the Rome family holds so dear. In 1983 the Rome Family opened a new store, the Factory Coop, to take advantage of the increasing demand from New England customers traveling to Gardner for the best possible prices.

In 1996, with local responsibility and history in mind, the Romes purchased and painstakingly restored the old “Hartshorns” factory that produced everything from baby-buggies to glider rockers during its history. Remnants of that by-gone era are displayed throughout the showroom. Rome Furniture has become one of Gardner’s most respected representatives of both local and national manufacturers. Rome Furniture is always looking for quality furniture at the best prices to pass onto its customers. The new flagship store, Rome Furniture Center, opened in the spring of 1998 with its spacious 60,000 square foot showroom.

Now well into its second generation of Rome family members in the furniture business, there is still a deep sense of community and respect for employees, many who have dedicated their entire careers to the same personal attention, respect and “old fashioned” service that Jim, Buddy and Joe offered over half a century ago.