A century of service: Tepperman’s marks 100-year milestone

Tepperman’s furniture store celebrates its 100th anniversary. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell has details.

Tepperman’s, one of Canada’s largest family-owned home furnishing retailers, is celebrating a major milestone this March — 100 years in business.

A centennial celebration with family, staff, retirees and dignitaries was held in the Windsor, Ont. store on Thursday morning.

The story of Tepperman’s is described as a “true Canadian success tale”, that began with Nate Tepperman, a Jewish immigrant, who arrived in Canada after the Russian Revolution and began selling rugs door-to-door in Windsor in 1925.

Over time, his business grew, progressing from foot sales to a bicycle, then a used pickup truck, and finally a brick-and-mortar store in 1929.

In 1970, his son, Bill Tepperman, took over the business, expanding its footprint into Chatham, Ont., Sarnia, Ont., and London, Ont. Under the leadership of third-generation brothers Andrew and Noah Tepperman, the company has continued to grow, with additional locations in Kitchener, Ont., Ancaster, Ont., and St. Catharines, Ont.

“This 100th anniversary is more than a celebration of our business — it’s a celebration of our valued customers, employees, and business partners who have contributed to our success over the decades,” said Andrew Tepperman, executive chairman.

“Looking back 100 years ago, there were 22 home furnishing retailers in Windsor. Today, Tepperman’s is the only one still standing. What we do is not unique, but how we do it is — like building long-term customer relationships and a great work culture.”

Under the theme “100 Years… and More in Store!”, Tepperman’s is planning a year-long centennial celebration reflecting on its rich history while looking toward an innovative future. This will include various promotions within the store.

“As we honour our past with this 100th anniversary, our story continues as there is so much more in store,” said Masoud Negad, CEO of Tepperman’s.

“We’re focused on the future as we innovate and grow. To survive 100 years, a company must be more than just a business — it must wholeheartedly embrace and prioritize the communities it serves. As our mission statement says, when we do it right, they will come back.”