Guys and Dolls Furniture is a family owned local business since 1953! We have the LARGEST selection in nursery and kid's furniture in ALL of Colorado! On our showroom floor we have cribs starting at $199 and twin beds starting at $99. Here in Aurora.
Guys & Dolls Furniture in Aurora, Colorado was founded in 1953 by civil engineer and inventor Len Rivkin. 54 years later the business is now operated by 3 generations at the same time, Len's son Bart, and grandson Jason. The store is a true testament to the “American Dream”; the ability to become prosperous and provide for a family through hard work and determination. In todays' market of corporate mergers and huge conglomerates, small independent retailers seem to be heading the way of the dinosaurs. Guys & Dolls ability to survive the tests of time is dependent on the ability to change and adapt. In the late 1940's Len Rivkin worked as a Civil Engineer for the government. His job led him to remote areas of Wyoming for surveying assignments. On what would be his last outing, he got so lost that he had to drive his truck along the railroad lines just to get back to civilization. The bumpy ride back must have jostled the idea of finding a better career path. Shortly thereafter Len discovered a “niche market” in Denver Colorado. Len's father-in-law, George Gelfand had a business back east called “Jersey Go Cart Co.” that sold strollers, prams, and other baby products. Having some experience with children's products and being awestruck with Colorado's beauty, Len decided to open a business. He went back to New Jersey and convinced his wife (Reva), and her sister and husband (Max and Harriette Sklar) to head out West. Exploring the Denver Metro area led Rivkin to a bustling and economically thriving Colfax Ave. At the time the original hit musical “Guys & Dolls” was performing on Broadway. Reva Rivkin thought the name would be great for their new store and wrote to the theater producers on Broadway and asked for permission. The production company, thinking that the expanded use of the name would be good for publicity, sent written permission back to Colorado. The name was registered and the store was opened at 5327 E. Colfax Ave (approximately 8000 sq. ft.). The first Guys & Dolls store offered a broad selection of toys and a little furniture. A second 6000 sq. ft. store was opened in 1955 at the JCRS Shopping Center at W. Colfax Ave & Pierce St. in Lakewood (where Casa Bonita now resides). Len & Reva Rivkin, and Max & Harriette Sklar operated 2 children's merchandise stores with no other employees. They even did all of the assembly and deliveries. In the early years it was not uncommon for the men to be out making deliveries on Christmas Eve and early Christmas morning. In 1960 the first location at E. Colfax was moved into a much bigger store. Guys & Dolls at 6200 E. Colfax was almost 40,000 sq. ft. including the basement. The basement was built as a bomb shelter around WWII. The new store had a much expanded product line which included outdoor play equipment, toys, furniture, and children's hobbies such as electric slot cars and trains. Guys & Dolls had business relationships with toy manufacturers Ideal, Marx Brothers, Mattel, and Madame Alexander Dolls. Guys & Dolls even had their own line of children's clothing. “Guys & Dolls Opens on Broadway!” In 1964 the second store in Lakewood was moved to Englewood at 3473 S. Broadway at Hampden. The new location is over 20,000 sq. ft. and the number and types of products offered also increases. Bart Rivkin enters the family business around 1973 and brings new and fresh ideas to what has become a real Colorado landmark. By this time many of the customers at Guys & Dolls are second generation. Their parents bought their furniture from the store and now they are buying furniture for babies on the way. During the late 1970's the market changed due to the advent and success of national brand “Big Boxes” such as Kmart. Guys & Dolls discontinues carrying clothing, toys, and hobby accessories. The new niche market is “space saving” furniture for children. The store adapts and finds new products for the customers that already know and appreciate the quality and service that Guys & Dolls offers. In 1981 Max Sklar retires and Bart Rivkin buys his stock in the business. Bart manages the E. Colfax store and Len manages the S. Broadway store. Walgreens Drug Store buys the property at E. Colfax in 1995 and Guys & Dolls is down to one location. Guys & Dolls Furniture grows up in 2005! After 50 years a store big enough to display the “Largest Selection of Children's Furniture in Colorado” is found. The new Guys & Dolls Furniture is located at 13280 E. Mississippi Ave. in Aurora, 1 block west of I-225. The new store has a 50,000 sq. ft. showroom and large on-site warehouse equipped with 3 full size truck docks. The business now employs close to 20 people and specializes in nursery furniture, space-saving and modular kid's furniture and accessories. Three family generations working together in one location. Jason Rivkin enters the business in 2006 bringing with him knowledge and a Business Finance degree from Colorado State University. Len Rivkin is probably one of the happiest people in the world now. His dream has grown and developed into a truly amazing sight to behold. Jason Rivkin has committed himself to ensure that Guys & Dolls makes it to the 100th birthday and beyond. Guys and Dolls Furniture is a Aurora, Colorado furniture store. The privately owned company sells primarily nursery, children's furniture, and accessories.