California Closets Explained

California Closets
Type:Subsidiary
Industry:Retail, Manufacturing
Founded:Woodland Hills, California (1978)
Founder:Neil Balter
Key People:Charlie Chase (President & CEO)
Location:Richmond, California, United States
Num Locations:155 [1]
Products:Organization Products, Storage Solutions, Custom Closets
Homepage:www.californiaclosets.com

California Closets is a manufacturer of custom closets and storage for homes.[2] The company provides its products through its showrooms franchising business systems in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic. As of October 21, 1998, California Closet Company, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of FirstService Brands Inc..

History

California Closets was founded in 1978 by Neil Balter. Balter started the business after putting shelves in a friend's closet.[3] The company redesigns closets with new racks, shelves, drawers and baskets of various sizes and shapes.[4]

The franchise business grew as Balter was featured on various shows, including Good Morning America and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

In 1990, the company was purchased by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. In 1994, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. sold California Closets.[5]

In 1998, FirstService Corporation acquired California Closets as a subsidiary. Today, FirstService Corporation continues to acquire franchised operations within its California Closets franchise system.

In 2017, the company began to incorporate virtual reality (VR) technology for clients to envision design projects in their homes.[6]

External links

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Locations | Closet Designers.
  2. News: 10 Hottest Products For A Luxury Green Home. Huen. Eustacia. Forbes. 2017-12-01. en.
  3. Web site: Enna . David . Closet Millionaire Earns Riches In Custom Storage . Orlando Sentinel . November 18, 1989 . 2019-10-04.
  4. Web site: APODACA . Patrice . Closing the Closet : Management: Neil Balter, the reorganizing Wunderkind, has left Williams-Sonoma before his 5-year contract expired. . Los Angeles Times . 12 May 1992 . 11 December 2018.
  5. News: Closing the Closet : Management: Neil Balter, the reorganizing Wunderkind, has left Williams-Sonoma before his 5-year contract expired.. APODACA. PATRICE. 1992-05-12. Los Angeles Times. 2017-11-28. en-US. 0458-3035.
  6. Web site: Closet Maker Launches VR Experience. Goodman. Jennifer. 2017-10-24. Builder. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171234/http://www.builderonline.com/builder-100/marketing-sales/closet-maker-launches-vr-experience_o . 2017-12-04 . 2020-05-11.