We began as a company in 1970 when John and Rita Yennock purchased the Iroquois China building which was full of leftover china. In the lower portion of the factory John made cabinets. In the upper portion he sold the remaining china. This is where the name China Towne comes from. Examples of Iroquois China—now pieces of art-- are proudly on display in our showroom today.
As the supply of china was sold there was soon room for other items to be sold from the store. Many customers may remember when China Towne carried wallpaper, paint, carpeting, appliances, knick-knacks, clothing, and even cars!
In the mid 1970’s China Towne expanded to a building in downtown Syracuse and a small shop in North Syracuse. In 1975 John purchased a three story building on North State Street in Syracuse called the Furniture Barn and started selling furniture. In the 1980’s the Solvay showroom expanded to accommodate this growing portion of the business.
In 1984 John’s son, Jay, took over the family business. The growth of the company continued. It was then that Jay decided to simplify the business and focus on furniture. Further expansion saw new locations in North Syracuse, and then Cicero. This was the beginning of the China Towne of today.
In September 2007 China Towne launched its White Glove Delivery Service with personalized and exemplary customer service. In an effort to further enhance and improve quality service in 2008, the decision was made to consolidate all sales professionals and resources to the Solvay location creating the “One Big Store in Solvay.”
With showroom, sales staff, and our Big warehouse all in one location we are able to ensure that every aspect of your experience with us is to your satisfaction. We now offer you a full selection of quality name brand home furnishings to enhance and improve your home—all in a friendly and focused atmosphere.
To honor his father’s tradition of working with the community, Jay partnered with The Village of Solvay Electric department and decided to install a Solar Panel array on the roof of China Towne’s showroom and warehouse. This array allows China Towne to use the power, and help ease the community’s dependency on fossil fuels.
Today in our showroom you see a ghost of the past in the sandblaster from the days of Iroquois China, and glimpses of the future when you look up to see our solar panels reaching for the sky.
We strive each day to bring you an excellent experience for you and your family—from our China Towne family.