Metropolitan Window Fashions is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and that has been a big undertaking for Owner Bruce Heyman, who leads the third-generation business. Known for its window coverings and reupholstery services, it has locations in Green Brook, Paramus, Livingston, Lebanon, Branchville and Sparta. We asked Heyman about home design, the business and how it’s evolved over the years.
New Jersey Family: Tell us a little bit about Metropolitan Window Fashions, its mission, and what makes it unique.
We are a third-generation family business offering a free in-home decorating service for custom draperies, motorized shades, Hunter Douglas blinds, and shutters. The window-covering business is divided into small mom-and-pop shops and big-box stores that subcontract the work out to third parties. We are unique in that we are still a mom-and-pop, but with 20 skilled professionals on payroll, we are NJ’s largest independent retailer of custom window coverings. Our mission statement is simple – we always do the right thing. By our customers, our associates, and the community.
NJF: Metropolitan Window Fashions is known for its window coverings. Are there other services offered?
A large part of our business is reupholstery. Custom reupholstery is a wise investment. If you have a quality and/or heirloom piece of furniture, the reupholstery process will make your furniture “like new.” We strip down your furniture to the frame and build it back up with new foam and, of course, a beautiful new fabric of your choice. We also sell wallpaper – not just the basic stuff at your local paint store – but beautiful high-end wallpapers from Europe.
NJF: Metropolitan Window Fashions is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. That is a huge milestone – how does it feel to be the third generation in your family to lead the business?
I am very proud of this fact. I had a real connection with my grandfather and learned many lessons from him. I was fortunate to work with my dad for nine years – we had a great relationship. On the other side, there is a tremendous amount of pressure to keep the family business running after all these years.
NJF: What was your inspiration when you took the helm?
Believe it or not, my dad’s managers inspired me the most. They recruited me to leave my job in New York City to work at the family business. Their dedication to the job was inspiring.
NJF: Yours is a family-run business, and you serve customers decorating their homes. There is a heavy family theme here. Has the fact that Metropolitan Window Fashion is family-run helped you better serve your customers?
I think so. The fact that we live and work in the community is motivation to do the best job possible. Our connection to our client and community drives many of our decisions – even if something isn’t financially beneficial for our company, if it’s the right thing to do for our customers or our team, we do it.
NJF: Home trends and technology have changed tremendously over the past 90 years. How do you stay on top of home design trends that resonate with families?
My dad always impressed upon me the value of staying involved in the industry by going to trade shows and joining industry associations, which I’ve found very valuable. I have been honored to hold the position of National President of the Window Covering Association of America among others. I don’t travel like I once did, but I have a national network of other large window-covering dealers that I can call anytime for advice.
NJF: Are there any window design trends, like smart blinds or eco-friendly materials, that you’re seeing more families ask for?
Fourty percent of our sales are in motorized shades, which can be operated with remotes, apps, or smart home voice controls. This is the future. You can even schedule the shades in the kid’s rooms to open in the morning so they can get up for school!
The most eco-friendly thing families can do is conserve energy. Insulated shades and draperies can save 15% off your energy bill. In fact, the Federal Government offers a $1200 tax credit on qualified insulated honeycomb shades. Not too many people know that but they should!
NJF: How can families make their spaces feel more open, bright, or welcoming through window design?
Dual shades are the answer. These shades have a sheer element that allows light into the home, but also an opaque layer for privacy or room darkening when needed.
NJF: What are some ways your business has been involved with and able to give back to the community?
In my parents’ day, there was a lot of effort to do good things and get the word out. I prefer a quieter, more behind-the-scenes approach. We regularly support our local community with financial gifts. We welcome any community organization to visit us at any of our five locations, and we will happily provide a $250 gift certificate for their fundraiser.
NJF: What do you love most about living in NJ?
We live in Augusta in Sussex County. It is certainly one of the most rural places in the state. We love being surrounded by horse farms and dairy farms, just a 90-minute drive outside of NYC!
NJF: What are some of your favorite things to do with your family in New Jersey?
When the kids were young, we loved visiting my mother-in-law in Stone Harbor. Call me crazy, but three years ago we moved to an old home on a Christmas Tree Farm called Grace Christmas Tree Farm. My children are grown now and we’re creating new traditions! This year they will all visit for Thanksgiving and help with Christmas Tree sales every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas. We are truly a retail family.
NJF: What’s next for Metropolitan Window Fashions?
We are always looking to expand. We have five locations now, but if the right opportunity presents itself to purchase a competitor looking to retire, we will jump at it. We have had good success with this model. We have ten more years to get to 100, so no time to slow down now!
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