Honoring Furniture Row with a Historical Marking

G. Stein Furniture Company was established in 1929 on the corner of Fourth and Campbell streets. Owned by the Stein family for three generations and 86 years, the store survived the Great Depression and World War II, as well as decades of change in the retail world.

The Stein family's store was one of nine in a bustling retail epicenter that became affectionately known as Furniture Row, home to nine furniture stores: G. Stein Furniture Company, Star Furniture, Carolina Furniture, Southern Furniture, Liberty Furniture, Sellers Furniture, Home Furniture, L Schwartz Furniture and Lewis Furniture.

The Stein family was instrumental in the North Fourth Street Partnership and North Fourth Street Merchants Group, as well as buying and repairing the building at 525 N. Front St. in 1995, turning into a double occupancy storefront Now, through Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, it’s been restored once again as part of a multimodal transportation center. 

In February 2024, City Council approved naming the courtyard of 525 N. Fourth St. — now home to the WMPO’s office — as Furniture Row, signified by an installed historical marker.

A ceremonial unveiling of the plaque will be held Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 9:30 a.m. to honor the Stein family and their contribution to the growth of small businesses downtown.

 

When

Location

525 North Fourth Street, Courtyard

525 North Fourth Street, Wilmington, View Map