Paula Tarzian-Ciferni, Harry Tarzian, and John Ciferni are owners of Tarzian Hardware. John is also
President of the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce. Tarzian Hardware will be
participating in the Snowflake
Celebration during the first two Thursdays in December (12/4 and 12/11)
by offering 15% off of everything in the store, raffles for children’s toys,
and holiday refreshments.
Q: When did you open for
business and why did you choose Park Slope?
A: The store was opened by my grandfather, Charlie Tarzian, and his brother
Marty in 1921. They had apprenticed for their brother-in-law in his store
on Fulton Street. When it came time for the brothers to open their own
store, they recognized the diversity and potential in Park Slope. The
original location was at 203 7th Ave. After 15 years the
brothers moved to the store’s present location at 193 7th Ave.
Then my father Harry expanded next door to 195 7th Ave in
1972. In 1999 my mother Paula completed the expansion and redesign into
our current layout.
Tarzian Factiod:
During WWII, Charlie volunteered to become an air-raid warden. Going
door-to-door, Charlie would ensure that each house had proper air-raid
equipment. If they were out, luckily he could recommend a dependable
store for supplies. This service kept the store afloat in the early 40’s.
Q: Which of the Sustainable Business Network NYC’s "Top
Ten Reasons" to shop locally resonate most with you & your business?
A:
Reason #2: "Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of Brooklyn’s
distinct character." In the 1960’s there were six hardware stores open on
7th Ave b/w Flatbush and 16th Street. With the
continued expansion of big box and chain retailers, our numbers have dwindled
to one. Tarzian Hardware has remained viable by focusing on our
customers, community, and fellow merchants. Over the years we have been
approached by many large retailers interested in our space. Although
these offers were fair, we take pride in our relationship and position in the
community. As long as there is a family member to run things, Tarzian
Hardware will remain a fixture on 7th Ave.
Shop
Local Factoid: Shopping at local businesses will help maintain Brooklyn’s
unique landscape. Residents have a "social contract" with local businesses — they
help define their sense of place, yet communities often forget that their survival depends on local patronage.
"Why Shop Local?" is a communication initiative of the Buy in
Brooklyn team. To learn more about Park Slope’s Buy in Brooklyn campaign, visit
their website at http://www.buyinbrooklyn.com/ The site, with its ever-growing list of participants and partners is updated regularly.
Interview conducted by Rebeccah Welch