Farrey’s Lighting, Bath, Kitchen and Hardware in South Florida is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024. The business has established itself as a top-tier provider of high-quality interior decorating products and exceptional professional services. The company was founded in 1924 by John J. and Emily Farrey and has since become a leading source of technical resources, products, and services for lighting, bath, kitchen and hardware projects. From its inception as a small general store that sold various home products such as hardware, linens, lighting, china, fishing gear, and more, Farrey’s has consistently delivered on its commitment to providing its customers with unique, superior offerings and unmatched expert services.
The Farrey family’s legacy in the Miami-Dade community is a testament to their rich history. Following the devastating 1926 hurricane, John J. Farrey was appointed as the chief building inspector of Miami Beach. His mandate was to develop a building code that would prevent similar levels of structural damage from occurring in the future. The resulting document was later recognized as the first South Florida Building Code and is essential to the region’s history.
During the 1960s, the third generation of the family business joined in. Bud Farrey was appointed chairman and president, whereas Frank Farrey was responsible for being vice president and chief financial officer. Over the following decades, they steered the business towards continuous growth and expansion. By demonstrating flexibility and adapting to the changing times, Bud and Frank successfully maintained the family’s heritage of accomplishment.
The Farrey family’s fourth generation continues its legacy of service by providing the most extensive product selection and in-stock inventory in South Florida. The company boasts over 25,000 SKUs in stock and maintains two 30,000-square-foot showrooms – one in North Miami, built in 1980, and the other in Coconut Grove, constructed in 2002. Over the years, the company has adapted to cater to the increasing demand for luxury products.
“Running a business that has been around for 100 years is a testament to resilience, adaptability and a steadfast commitment to excellence,” says Bud Farrey, CEO of Farrey’s Lighting, Bath, Kitchen and Hardware. “It’s about embracing change, staying attuned to customer needs and upholding values that withstand the test of time, along with a strong team of associates that have, over the years, delivered on our brand promise. The journey of a centennial business reflects not just longevity, but a legacy built on enduring principles and a dedication to meeting and exceeding expectations,” he continued.
South Florida’s rapid and continuous growth of residential areas and the increase in new homes, condominiums, and mixed-use developments have led to an increase in lighting, bath, kitchen, and decorative hardware needs. Farrey’s highly trained, multilingual consultants are equipped to fulfill these needs. They take pride in their vast knowledge and undergo ongoing training and certifications to stay up-to-date with industry trends. Their friendly and approachable nature allows them to understand clients’ aspirations and provide problem-solving solutions, regardless of style preference and budget. They can also read plans and conduct onsite visits with expertise.
Farrey’s philosophy believes client satisfaction is the most critical measure of success. They cater to year-round residents and second homeowners, attracting customers from all across the world. Farrey’s ships throughout the U.S. and worldwide, making their products accessible to everyone.
“We’re honored to reach this remarkable milestone of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Farrey’s legacy,” Bud Farrey says. “It’s been a pleasure to serve our community as we’ve continued to grow and maintain the trust of our customers over the years. This anniversary is an important reminder of our commitment to our company heritage while embracing the future, as we remain dedicated to providing exceptional products and services.”