July 16, 2021
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La-Z-Boy … a household name! Believe it or not, the origin of La-Z-Boy Inc. dates all the way back to the 1920’s. Since then, the company has grown, evolved, and innovated into a well-known and reputable brand of quality and comfortable home furniture. At La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, our clients are curious about the evolution of the La-Z-Boy brand. We also get asked many questions about the origin of the La-Z-Boy name and misconceptions when it comes to the proper spelling. In this article, we will take a walk down memory lane and revisit the history of La-Z-Boy throughout the decades. Within this history, including the origin of the name itself. Finally, we will uncover the recent history of La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, highlighting how our small team is committed to progressing the La-Z-Boy brand into the future! Let’s hit the time machine … The La-Z-Boy name has been around for about 100 years! With a century under its belt, the brand has come a long way. Each decade played a significant role in La-Z-Boy’s development and evolution into what it is today. The 1920s, otherwise known as the “roaring 20’s”, was a decade of prosperity and dissipation. There was no shortage of jazz bands or flappers in this era. Amidst the excitement, two cousins were making a name for themselves in Monroe, Michigan, United States. Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker were the sons of two farmers. While they were both hard workers, in 1927 they realized that they preferred working with wood than soil. With one gifted mechanic and one carpenter and salesman, the two cousins made natural business partners. Their partnership first began as a small business called the Kan-Shoe Company. Hard at work, their gumption quickly outgrew the small garage they were working out of. With this, they began building their own furniture factory. Floral City Furniture was born. At Floral City Furniture, the cousin’s first signature product was called The Gossiper. It was a tool to promote relaxation while chatting on the telephone, another fairly new invention at the time. Next, the cousins created the very first wood slate folding chair. This chair was meant to follow the contour of a person’s body, both while sitting up and leaning back. Starting to sound familiar? Initially invented to enjoy the outdoors, the chair grew in popularity, and they wanted to make it usable year-round. Knabusch and Shoemaker began to upholster the chairs, adding to their comfort. This was an instant hit! As their innovative chair gained popularity, they realized they needed a catchy name. After all, the upholstered wood slate folding chair is a bit of a mouthful. To brainstorm a name, the cousins decided to hold a contest amongst the factory workers. Employees submitted their name suggestions, followed by a voting period in which the winner would be sent to print. There were many great ideas! “Sit N Snooze”, “Comfort Carrier”, and “Slack Back”. Ultimately, the recognizable name that we all know as “La-Z-Boy” was the winner. It impressed consumers back then and it still has a ring to it today. La-Z-Boy (pronounced lazy boy) is a name that sticks. With a clever play on the word “lazy”, the name La-Z-Boy perfectly embodies the personality of the brand. Sit back, relax, and be lazy in the comfort of your La-Z-Boy furniture. While the name is fitting and rolls off the tongue easily, people tend to struggle with the spelling. Some common spelling errors are: Lazy Boy Lazy-Boy Lay-Z-Boy With a hit chair and a catchy name, the brand continued to progress through the 1930s. Despite the trials and tribulations of the Great Depression, the company did what it needed to stay afloat. Floral City Furniture accepted payment in the form of wheat, cows, and coal. By remaining flexible with their form of currency, the company was able to transition into a retail store during this time. On the tail end of the great depression and rise of World War II, the 1940s were a stressful time for the country and also for Floral City Furniture. Despite the weight of world events, the company continued to persevere. In this decade, the company started the first stand-alone La-Z-Boy factory. Unfortunately, after only one year of operation, the outbreak of World War II caused the plant to convert solely to the production of military items. This continued from 1941 to 1946. During this time, company employees caught up on the behind-the-line efforts of their friends and family in the La-Z-News. Today, the company still shares their internal news through a similar digital newsletter. In the 1950s America discovered rock n’ roll and La-Z-Boy discovered the automatic footrest. The brand added a built-in ottoman and footrest to their chairs that they called the “Otto-Matic”. La-Z-Boy also enhanced its chairs with an optional vibration feature. They called this the “La-Z-Boy tranqualator”. The 1960s was a year of expansion for the company. La-Z-Boy factories expanded throughout small rural towns in the United States to Newton, MS, Redlands, CA, and Florence, SC. Furthermore, La-Z-Boy developed the Rocker Recliner which instantly became a best-seller, majorly boosting sales! The 1970s were an era of bell-bottoms, disco, and innovation. With this, La-Z-Boy released the Lounger. This new chair can be placed a few inches from the wall and still recline with ease. La-Z-Boy also broke into a new market by offering new swivel and reclining desk chairs. These durable, yet comfortable, chairs became popular in hospitals, nursing homes, and offices. With new products and new markets came new advertising to match. La-Z-Boy began a partnership with recognizable faces and household names to promote their new products, including Alex Karras & Susan Clark, Uncle Sam, Mr.Magoo and Johnny Carson. By the 1980s, La-Z-Boy proclaimed that “nobody has rocked more babies to sleep than we have.” In a wave of success, La-Z-Boy continued this momentum by developing a wider range of motion products. La-Z-Boy introduced reclining sofas and sleeper sofas. They also released the very first line of stationary sofas. In turn, La-Z-Boy took on the slogan “and you thought we just made a good recliner.” Through the 1990s, La-Z-Boy expanded its product line even further. The company also participated in the LADD Furniture Deal, taking on partnerships with American Drew, Kincaid, and Hammary. As a result, La-Z-Boy now offered a wide variety of upholstery goods, but also various case goods, including chests, tables, dressers and bookshelves. Up until this point, the brand was most commonly known for its recliner chair and upholstery. To show off the expansion of their product line, La-Z-Boy creatively used Racoons as mascots in their advertisements with the slogan, “that’s a common misconception among raccoons”. Throughout the decade, La-Z-Boy showrooms and galleries opened across the United States, Canada, and Spain. By the 2000s, La-Z-Boy had made a real name for itself. The brand had even made its way into pop culture as it collaborated with the popular TV series, Friends, to make a special collection of recliners. La-Z-Boy also went on to have products featured on Dancing with the Stars and The Ellen Degeneres Show. In 2001, La-Z-Boy developed the next generation of La-Z-Boy furniture galleries. These galleries were larger than any La-Z-Boy showrooms in the past with a huge expansion of inventory, including decorative accessories. By 2010, La-Z-Boy began to adapt to the digital age introducing the first mobile site, Ipad app, and 3D room planner. La-Z-Boy also introduced the first impressive power recliner XR offering the reclining function at just the touch of a button. Featuring a mix of celebrity style and humour, the company launched a new brand campaign, “Live Life Comfortably,” aimed to educate consumers that La-Z-Boy makes far more than just the iconic recliner. Unlike other companies making headlines due to corporate conraversies, CEO scandals, bailouts, and bankruptcies, Forbes identified La-Z-Boy Incorporated in its 2013 list of America’s most trustworthy companies. Today, La-Z-Boy honours the past and embraces the future. The principles of its founders are still what drives the company forward today. With consistent work toward quality and innovation, La-Z-Boy continues to bring comfort to their clients and enriching lives by turning houses into homes. The La-Z-Boy headquarters now resides in Dayton, Tennessee. The company has a total of 325 stores, 11,000 employees, and continues to sell furniture across the world. Not only does La-Z-Boy offer the iconic recliner chair and comfortable upholstery, but the brand is proud to make furniture suited for every room of the home, including the dining room and bedroom. La-Z-Boy not only places emphasis and value on the products they provide but the services that enhance the enjoyment and longevity of their client’s purchases. In turn, La-Z-Boy offers complimentary interior design services, white-glove delivery, and a comprehensive warranty with the sale of its furniture. It is safe to say that the future of La-Z-Boy will continue to be as rich and inventive as its history. Here at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, we are proud to represent the history and values of the La-Z-Boy brand. David Maxwell, Co-owner of the La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, has been a part of the history and growth of the brand in these locations. In Ottawa / Kingston and Easter Ontario has had a long history with La-Z-Boy recliners going back well over 50 years. Initially, La-Z-Boy recliners were sold by general dealers in the region including Van Leeuwen’s, Valley Squire, and even Colonial Furniture to name a few. Some of these dealers are still present today and continue to carry some of the more popular La-Z-Boy chairs. With the changes in styles and technology over the decades, the brand has continued to resonate well with Ottawa’s residents and with it, the desire to further customize their recliners and take advantage of the broader line of La-Z-Boy products that were made available with their full line-up of sectionals, stationary sofas, ottomans, and even case goods. The focus grew beyond the recliner to provide whole room comfort. To that end, the first La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio was opened in Ottawa in the early 90s at Van Leeuwen’s location on Hazeldean Road. This was followed by the region’s first dedicated La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries store on Hunt Club Road in 1998; opened by Paul Raymond. For the brand, this was an important step as Ottawa and its residents now had access to all the manufacturer was able to offer, including its subsidiary brands Hammary – focusing on occasional tables, Kincaid Furniture, and American Drew – focusing on solid wood furniture for bedrooms, dining, and living rooms. A second La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery location was added in 2000 on Cyrville Road (including a warehouse) to help serve the east end of the city, and the Kingston location was opened in 2005. The Maxwell brothers, James and David, purchased the two stores in Ottawa from Mr. Raymond in 2011 and acquired the Kingston location in 2012. Born and raised in Ottawa, the Maxwell’s have continued to invest and grow the La-Z-Boy business over the last ten years to help better serve the residents in Ottawa / Kingston and Eastern Ontario. In 2016, a new location was added on Campeau Road to serve Kanata, the west end of Ottawa, including Stittsville, Carleton Place, and up the valley through Arnprior and Renfrew (yes, we even go to Petawawa!). As a La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor store, it was the introduction of a new retail concept for La-Z-Boy; effectively mixing stationary and motion furniture for any room in the house… keeping the focus on comfort and style. That same year saw a relocation of the Hunt Club store down the street to 290 West Hunt Club and the second La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor concept store for the region. As we all get through the challenges that 2020/2021 has presented, La-Z-Boy continues to be excited about what’s in store for Eastern Ontario. From the new bridge opening this year (2021) on Campeau Drive, to planning store renovations and expansions, the La-Z-Boy team is honoured to serve the residents of Eastern Ontario as we continue on our local mission of creating customers for life – one stylish and comfortable room at a time. The history of La-Z-Boy lives on and continues to evolve in each and every one of our happy customers. At La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, we strive to maintain the La-Z-Boy name by helping our clients find comfortable and stylish furniture that best suits their needs and preferences. Are you looking for quality and comfortable furniture that lives up to the La-Z-Boy name? To get started, take a look at some of our best selling furniture: Our team of design consultants and expert interior designers can help you find the perfect furniture for your needs, style, and space. With our complimentary design services, our team will ensure that whatever furniture you purchase fits seamlessly with your home decor. Visit us at a local showroom or schedule a visit online to get started! We look forward to meeting you and turning your house into a home. What Furniture Styles are Available at La-Z-Boy?La-Z-Boy Through the Decades
1920s
The Origin of the ‘La-Z-Boy’ Name – 1928
The Spelling of ‘La-Z-Boy’
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
La-Z-Boy Today
The History of La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston
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FAQs
Where did La-Z-Boy get its name? ›
Established in the US by cousins Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker, the brand name 'La-Z-Boy' was actually chosen as the winning entry in a contest held in their local area of Monroe, Michigan, to name their first recliner – an outdoor porch chair made from wood slats with a basic reclining mechanism.
Who started La-Z-Boy? ›Edward Knabusch, 88; Founder of La-Z-Boy.
When was my La-Z-Boy made? ›The original La-Z-Boy recliner was invented in 1928. It was then that cousins Edwin J. Shoemaker and Edward M. Knabusch designed the reclining wood-slat chair.
What is La-Z-Boy known for? ›La-Z-Boy is known the world over for inventing the recliner more than 95 years ago. But we're much more than one iconic product. From upholstered sofas, loveseats, chairs and ottomans to solid wood bedroom and dining room sets, La-Z-Boy is passionate about bringing comfort and quality to every room of the house.
How many locations does La-Z-Boy have? ›| Characteristic | Number of stores |
|---|---|
| La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries | 348 |
| La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio | 531 |
Millions of Americans aren't familiar with his name, but chances are his invention has helped them relax at one time or another. The name: Edwin Shoemaker. The invention: the La-Z-Boy recliner.
Is La-Z-Boy made in the USA? ›La-Z-Boy furniture is mostly made in America and brought to you by our corporate headquarters, three manufacturing plants, six distribution centers, and more than 100 retail stores located across the United States.
Is Lazy Boy made in Mexico? ›La-Z-Boy has opened at least two leased manufacturing plants in Mexico, according to its 10-Q. To further boost production, the company also added second shifts and weekend shifts to U.S. plants when necessary and reactivated a portion of its upholstery manufacturing facility in Newton, Mississippi.
Who owns Lazyboy Ottawa? ›David Maxwell, Co-owner of the La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, has been a part of the history and growth of the brand in these locations.
Is La-Z-Boy expensive? ›On the other hand, one of the cons of La-Z-Boy furniture is that it can be quite expensive. Because they use high-quality materials and construction, their pieces tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. If you are working with a tight budget, La-Z-Boy furniture may not be the best option for you.
How long has La-Z-Boy been in business? ›
In 1927, cousins Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker partnered and invested in the furniture business in the town of Monroe, Michigan. Things have really evolved since La-Z-Boy first introduced the recliner in 1928.
What brand is comparable to Lazyboy? ›La-Z-Boy competitors include Wayfair, Ethan Allen, Joybird and Havertys. La-Z-Boy ranks 1st in Employee Net Promoter Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
Where was Lazy Boy founded? ›In 1927, in a garage in Monroe, Michigan, cousins Edwin J. Shoemaker and Edward M. Knabusch designed the reclining wood-slat chair.
How long does a Lazy Boy recliner last? ›In fact, the average shopper looks to replace their recliner every 7-10 years. Not to worry, though! It is possible to enjoy your recliner beyond this estimated lifespan. With proper care and treatment, some La-Z-Boy clients have gotten over 20 years of use out of their recliner chairs.
How old is the Lazy Boy recliner? ›In 1929, they would invent a product so iconic that it would eventually become the name of the company: the upholstered La-Z-Boy recliner.
Are LA Z boys worth it? ›While most customers think of them as pricier than most discount stores, they offer a higher value than most for the price, which extends to their full catalog. Overall, customers have good things to say about comfort and delivery, with some exceptions around perceived quality and durability.
Who is La-Z-Boy's biggest competitor? ›la-z-boy.com's top 5 competitors in January 2023 are: ashleyfurniture.com, bassettfurniture.com, ethanallen.com, roomstogo.com, and more. According to Similarweb data of monthly visits, la-z-boy.com's top competitor in February 2023 is ashleyfurniture.com with 17.0M visits.
Who is the CEO of Lazy Boy? ›Melinda D.
Melinda Whittington became President and Chief Executive Officer of La-Z-Boy Incorporated in April 2021.
We're proud of our 13,000+ passionate, valued team members, who are core to transforming the power of comfort every day.
Who invented the recliner? ›In the late 1920s, Michigan cousins Edwin Shoemaker and Edward Knabush decided to pool their respective talents in engineering and marketing and sales, creating a blueprint for a reclining porch chair with a hinged seat and back.
What is the difference between a recliner and a Lazy Boy? ›
Insomniacs can rock themselves to sleep and mothers can enjoy the comfort of Lazy Boy furniture while the rocking motion relaxes their nursing baby or young child. The rocker recliner is best for bigger rooms that can accommodate the needed space for the reclining seatback, which is generally about 3 feet.
How long do power recliners last? ›How long will the recliner motor last? On average, power recliners with simple mechanics can last between 10 and 20 years, depending on handling and frequency of use.
Who created the first recliner? ›In 1959, Daniel F. Caldemeyer patented a recliner as owner of National Furniture Mfg. Co based in Evansville, Indiana. The design was based on the science of kinetics that he used while serving in the US Air Force.
What company made the first recliner? ›Recliner 101
In 1855, iconic Philadelphia cabinetmaker George Henkels built a reclining chair which could be manipulated without complicated machinery and mechanisms.
La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE: LZB), a global leader in residential furniture, today announced that it is finalizing the planned closure of its Newton, Mississippi upholstery manufacturing facility, expected to be effective September 16, 2022.
Who competes with Lazy Boy? ›La-Z-Boy competitors include Wayfair, Ethan Allen, Joybird and Havertys. La-Z-Boy ranks 1st in Employee Net Promoter Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
Are Lazy Boys worth the price? ›While most customers think of them as pricier than most discount stores, they offer a higher value than most for the price, which extends to their full catalog. Overall, customers have good things to say about comfort and delivery, with some exceptions around perceived quality and durability.
Is Lazy Boy guaranteed for life? ›"La-Z-Boy offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects on the parts of the frame, mechanism and springs, for as long as the original purchaser owns the product and can supply their proof of purchase.
Who invented the Z chair? ›In the early 1930s, Dutch department store Metz & Co. asked Gerrit Rietveld to do something unprecedented: design a chair for mass production. The architect agreed, proposing a Z-shaped perch made from four slices of sturdy elm supported by dovetail joints and metal screws.
What recliners last the longest? ›For Longevity: 100% Leather.
If you want longevity, choose one in 100% leather. The natural finish of a genuine leather reclining chair offers a buttery-smooth feel designed to last for more than a decade – and in which you will want to lounge for hours at a time.