After nearly 70 years, a beloved furniture store closes its doors

After nearly seven decades, a beloved family business is preparing to close its doors for good. Known for its friendly service and deep roots in the community, this independent furniture retailer has helped generations furnish their homes with care. But now, the owners have made a decision that has nothing to do with profits, competition, or bankruptcy—and everything to do with family, timing, and legacy.

The handwritten sign in the window might as well read “End of an Era.”

After 68 years, Nader’s LA Popular Furniture in Gardena, California, will shut its doors permanently.

Three generations of service

Since it was founded in 1956 by Lebanese immigrant George Nader, the furniture store has been family-owned and family-operated, with George’s children and grandchildren helping shape it into one of the most respected independent furniture retailers in the Los Angeles area.

“We're not closing because business is bad. We're just closing because we're retiring,” said Bill Nader, the founder’s grandson, in an interview with the LA Times. “We just felt it was the right time.”

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A lasting impact on the community

The store has been a mainstay in Gardena and surrounding neighborhoods for generations, known for its approachable prices, honest service, and commitment to treating every customer with respect.

Many longtime customers have expressed surprise and sadness at the announcement, calling the store “a rare gem” and “one of the last family-run businesses in town.”

Over the years, Nader’s expanded to multiple locations, but the Gardena store remained the flagship—a physical reminder of the Nader family’s dedication to the community.

Legacy over liquidation

Rather than sell the business to outsiders, the family decided to step away entirely and close up shop on their own terms.

“Could we have sold it? Maybe,” said Bill Nader. “But we wanted to go out the right way.”

According to the family, the decision was deeply personal and came after long discussions about the future.

In the end, they prioritized family well-being and preserving the legacy George Nader built over nearly seven decades.

From humble beginnings to a household name—Nader’s became part of the city’s fabric for nearly 70 years. Image Source: Nader's.

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A farewell sale and fond memories

Before officially closing, Nader’s is holding a storewide retirement sale to thank the community and clear out remaining inventory.

If you plan to shop the sale, arrive early for selection but don’t feel rushed—discounts typically deepen over time.

Measure your space, bring dimensions, and know that items are sold as-is.

The Naders have built a trustworthy reputation, so buyers can expect honest markdowns rather than inflated “original prices” seen at some liquidations.

The closing date hasn’t been announced yet, but the family says it will come in the next few months.

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An era ends, but memories remain

The Nader family may be stepping away from retail, but the mark they’ve left behind in Gardena—and in the homes of thousands of Southern Californians—will endure.

From bedroom sets to kitchen tables, their legacy lives on in the everyday spaces people call home.

“My grandfather started this store with a dream,” said Bill. “We’re proud to say we’re ending it with dignity.”

Planned Furniture Promotions’ Tom Liddell called the closure “a celebration of a family legacy and an acknowledgment of the changing retail landscape.”

Across the country, children and grandchildren of small business owners are choosing careers outside the family trade.

In many ways, that’s its own form of success—previous generations worked hard so future ones could choose freely.

But it also means trusted institutions sometimes fade, not because they failed, but because they fulfilled their purpose.

The end of an era

As the Naders prepare to lock up their final storefronts, they leave behind far more than inventory.

Their legacy includes decades of employment, thousands of furnished homes, and countless relationships with customers who came to view the store as part of their community.

The warmth, consistency, and human connection they brought to retail are increasingly rare in an era of automation and algorithms.

For the furniture industry, Nader’s exit is another sign of how hard it is to stay independent. For customers, it’s a loss of something familiar and trusted. But for the Nader family, it’s a well-earned farewell after nearly 70 years of service.

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Key Takeaways

• Nader’s LA Popular Furniture, a family-run store in Gardena, California, is closing after 68 years of business.
• The closure is not due to financial trouble but a planned retirement by the Nader family.
• Founded in 1956 by Lebanese immigrant George Nader, the store has served generations of customers.
• A final retirement sale is currently underway, with the exact closing date to be announced.

What memories do you have of local family-run stores that have closed over the years? Did you or someone you know ever shop at a place like this—where the owners knew your name and the service felt personal? How do you feel about the changes in retail and the loss of neighborhood businesses?

We’d love to hear your stories—share your thoughts in the comments below!