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Photo: Courtesy of Wikipedia.com
Zarin Fabrics, which has been present in the Lower East side since 1936, is definitely a desirable destination for designer fabrics. Among the three separate floors are upholstery and drapery fabrics, as well as decorating supplies, lighting and home accessories. They also offer full decorating services and have served has a resource to many set decorators in films/ theatre productions. With their 80th anniversary fast approaching in 2016, Zarin is preparing to celebrate stylishly with patrons and industry icons alike.
The Zarin family’s lengthy history in the LES has informed the growth and direction of their business. Zarin Fabrics President and third generation business owner, David Zarin recalls the the store’s legacy beginning with his grandfather.
“It all started back in the 1930s, my grandfather was actually working for someone who sold fabric so that’s what lead him to the fabric business,” he explains, “Then in 1936 he went off on his own and he rented a little store and he started selling fabric and making curtains. And in course of the next few decades, the business grew.”
David’s father, the next Zarin generation, built up the family business even further. Capitalizing on the LES being the prime destination for decorating services in New York, he expanded the brand to include drapery, hardware and upholstery supplies. At one point, the business ballooned to four separate locations in Lower Manhattan, including a shop on Elderage Street and a warehouse at the corner of Grant Street and Allen Street.
In the 80s the business met unexpected adversity when an accident with a blowtorch caused one of the locations to burn down entirely. To remedy the disaster, David’s father suggested to move the salvageable fabric and stock to the drapery hardware warehouse.
“The warehouse ended up being such a huge success that it’s really the main part of our business right now!” enthuses David.
Upon becoming a third generation Zarin businessman, David has worked to cater the business towards the neighborhood that they have called home for so long, which is quickly becoming a trendy and artful hub. He has opened a showroom devoted to fashionable home goods aimed toward the neighborhood’s diversely chic aesthetic.
“I saw that there were not really many decorating stores on the LES that sold really cool home accessories, cool furniture and wall art that speak to the people that live here.”
Through nearly a decade’s worth of LES history, Zarin has witnessed the area, as well as most of Manhattan grow to the cultural conglomeration that it is today. Now, in the present, they are eager to celebrate the memories and the progress with the community in the new year. Patrons can expect sales and promotions to celebrate their anniversary and the opening of their new showroom. They also have a brand new website in the works that will make it easier to purchase their products no matter where you are.
-by Johanna Silver