Levin’s Not-So-New Leadership and What It Means for Pittsburgh Consumers
After nearly a century of family leadership, in 2018 Levin Furniture entrusted the company’s legacy to long-time senior manager Chris Pelcher— now executive vice president and general manager of Levin Furniture and Wolf Furniture, which serves Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Chris relies on the same Levin family values laid out before him with a commitment to providing the best selection, value and service possible.
Looking forward to the 100th anniversary of Levin’s next year and beyond, his long- term goal is to continue the relationships his predecessors have established with their vendors, employees, customers and surrounding communities.
So what does Chris have in store for Levin’s customers? In short, a lot. “I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s ‘new’ but instead ‘fresh.’ The Levin family laid a solid foundation that we’re able to renovate and build upon.”
EXPANDED SELECTION & SERVICE
In order to better satisfy customers’ needs, the latest models and new brands were added to the furniture selection and mattress assortment. “With the addition of Beautyrest this Spring, we’re excited to offer customers all the major mattress brands under one roof.”
The sleep specialists at every Levin’s work with clients one-on-one to determine the best sleep solution for that individual or couple. “It’s a big and sometimes overwhelming decision, so we’ve made adjustments and continued to educate ourselves in order to better help the customer.”
“I think furniture and mattress shopping should and can be fun. But we realize it can be stressful and not everyone can walk in here and pick out what they want without looking at the price tag.”
This past year the company expanded its financing options to allow more of their customers to obtain credit.
Q
Q: What should people know about Levin’s these days?
A: There’s never been a more exciting time at Levin’s. Even as we’re expanding our assortments and services, we’re still very much interested and involved in our communities.
Q: What should customers expect when shopping at Levin’s?
A: Guests at our showrooms deserve an inviting, friendly atmosphere with one-on-one assistance and the type of attention to detail that instills trust.
Q: What’s different from 2 years ago? What’s the same?
A: Much is the same, particularly the heart of the company still being focused on the ‘greater good.’ Our core focus is the customer and providing a great experience.
Q: What makes Levin’s stand out?
A: I think it’s our long standing history and reputation. We’re consistently chosen as the go-to furniture and mattress store in our communities—making us a trusted household name.
In addition, Levin’s understands that sometimes shoppers are just looking for that one statement piece rather than an entire room. Chris’s “good, better, best” approach to the assortment tries to satisfy those needs at every price point. “Our merchant team is always on the lookout for fresh, new products and works really hard to give customers the largest selection in the area— a little something for everyone.”
MORE SPECIAL ORDER OPTIONS
After listening to customers’ feedback, Levin’s has refocused on their custom order options. La-Z-Boy, Flexsteel, West Coast Style, Amish Village and England—together with at least 50 other brands, provide customers with thousands of special order styles, shapes, sizes, colors, fabrics, finishes and hardware options. “We want every customer to know they can get exactly what they need for their home.”
“I think the words ‘special order’ and ‘custom order’ equate to dollar signs in peoples’ minds. That’s not necessarily the case. We’ve worked hard so that these orders can be quite affordable, and you get a piece that is different from everyone else.”
AFFORDABLE INTERIOR DESIGN
The same is true for their interior design service—The Decorating Studio at Levin’s. “We’ve put together design packages that make the process more affordable and as easy as possible for our clients.” Levin’s decorators are on hand in all their furniture showrooms.
ROBUST WORKFORCE
The improvements in all these areas means Levin’s needs to seek out the best professionals in the business. “No job is more or less important than another. We need each and every one of our teammates to get the job done.”
Together with Wolf Furniture, the companies employ more than 1500 individuals and operate 53 showrooms and two distribution warehouses.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
“Our employees are the face of Levin’s. They are highly invested in the community and share that passion with us.” Many of the causes and organizations Levin’s supports are brought to their attention by employees.
Last year, the company and its employees donated more than $1 million by way of product, time and service to local charities, causes and organizations.
“I’m honored to represent and lead this company. We’re making sure we’re building a solid foundation today for the next 100 years and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
You can read more about the company’s community involvement and green initiatives on their website. While you are there, be sure to visit their blog to get all sorts of tips, tricks and trends.