Worcester Massachusetts
Regional SCORE
Chapter 173

Rotmans is the recipient of the first-ever Joe Cohen Worcester Retailer of the Year Award presented by SCORE Worcester. The award recognizes a successful Worcester-based retail business that understands the importance of giving back to the community. The award is named in honor of Joe Cohen, who was the owner of Henry's Paint and Wallpaper and an active presence in the community for more than 50 years.

Murray and Ida Rotman have been associated with the furniture and carpet business since the mid 1950s. They owned the furniture and carpet concessions in the former C.T. Sherers and later, the Barnards department store in downtown Worcester. Murray and Ida started Rotmans at its present College Square location in 1964 by leasing 10,000 square feet in the former Whittal Carpet Mill. Joined by sons Steven, Barry and Bernie, Rotmans eventually expanded into additional parts of the former mill complex to reach its current 200,000 square feet of showroom. Their slogan was "7 Stores on 5 Floors under 1 Roof." Rotmans experienced dramatic growth in the 1980s which established the store as one of the largest single store operations of its kind in the country. Thus the new slogan became "New England's Largest Furniture and Carpet Store."

The Rotmans attribute their "fantastic" business success to a large selection, competitive pricing, experienced sales associates and comprehensive customer service programs. In addition, Rotmans is well known for its involvement in the community. One of Rotmans most innovative community service programs is its "Furniture Exchange" initiative. Partnering with the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Rotmans has developed the Donations Clearing House where customers can donate old furniture they are replacing. Working with other local organizations, the furniture is donated to families in need throughout Worcester County. Rotmans also works with local organizations such as Genesis House, Jewish Family Services, Edward Street Child Care, Walk for the Homeless and the United Way. Rotmans serves as a sponsor for the Worcester Tornadoes and also participates in numerous local fund drives.

Rotmans has established a reputation of being a family-oriented and honest company. The store carries a wide assortment of products at very competitive prices and they stand by those products. Noted for its outstanding customer service, Rotmans is very conscious of the surrounding local community and constantly gets involved in community services and activities. Rotmans recognizes that running a successful business is not just about making money, but also about giving back to the community like Joe Cohen did for so many years at the helm of Henry's Paint and Wallpaper.

SCORE Worcester is a part of the Small Business Administration that provides free counseling to start-ups and small businesses to help them succeed. Joe served as a counselor to businesses and as a mentor to other counselors. SCORE created the Joe Cohen Worcester Retailer of the Year Award to honor their longtime associate, who was so dedicated to the organization.

"Being able to present this award holds a special significance to us because Joe Cohen was such a constant supporter of the Chamber and was so influential in its growth," said Dick Kennedy, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. "We're proud to be able to honor such an important member of our organization, who meant so much to all of us."