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:''For the home electronics chain see: ].'' {{Short description|American catalog showroom retail chain}}{{for multi|the home electronics chain|Best Buy|the New York department store|Best & Company}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox_Company |
company_name = Best Products Co, Inc. | | name = Best Products Company, Inc.
company_logo = ] | | logo = Best Products logo.svg
| type = ] (]: BESTQ)
⚫ company_type = ] showroom|
foundation = ]| | foundation = {{Start date and age|1957|df=y}}
location = ] | | founder = ]<br>Frances Lewis
| defunct = {{End date and age|1997|2|9}} (last stores closed)
industry = ]|
{{End date and age|1998|12|df=y}} (liquidation completed)
⚫ products = home furnishings, consumer electronics, jewelry, housewares, toys |
| fate = ] ]
homepage = None|
| location = ]
⚫ | industry = ] (] showroom)
⚫ | products = Home furnishings, consumer electronics, jewelry, housewares, toys
| subsid = Ashby's, Basco, Dolgin's, Great Western, ], Labelle's, Miller Sales, Modern Merchandising, Rogers
}} }}
'''Best Products''' (also known simply as “Best”) is a defunct chain of ] ] retail stores, formerly headquartered in ]. '''Best Products Company, Inc.''', or simply '''Best''', was a chain of ] ] retail stores founded by Sydney and Frances Lewis in 1957 and formerly headquartered in ]. The company was in existence for four decades before closing all of their stores by February 1997 and completely liquidating by December 1998. At the time of their second bankruptcy filing in September 1996, the company operated 169 Best stores and 11 Best Jewelry stores in 23 states, as well as a nationwide mail-order service. When in operation, Best Products was traded on the ] exchange as "BESTQ".


==History== == History ==
The company was founded by ] and Frances Lewis. Sydney Lewis, a ] educated at ] and ], worked with his father managing an encyclopedia sales operation in Richmond. Lewis thought of selling additional merchandise along with the bills for encyclopedias. In 1957, the Lewises sent out their first catalog. The first showroom was at 4909 West Marshall Street in Richmond, just across the street from the new ].
===1970s===
In the ], Best Products contracted with ]’ ] architecture firm to design seven highly unorthodox retail facilities, notably a tongue-in-cheek structure in ] with a severely distressed facade. This building purportedly “appeared in more books on 20th century architecture than photographs of any other modern structure” .


The company had a strong sense of promotion and artistic sensibilities; it was legend in artistic circles that it would trade store merchandise for art. As a result, the company, as well as the Lewises, gathered a significant collection of 20th-century art. Much of the Lewis Collection can be seen at the ], and a ] named after the company opened in that museum.{{when|date=December 2022}}
⚫ As a cost-saving measure, Best jointly published its catalog with ] and ], and had regional non-compete agreements with those chains.
] in ].]]


=== Sculpture in the Environment ===
⚫ ===Bankruptcy===
In the 1970s, Best Products contracted with ]' "]" (SITE) architecture firm to design nine highly unorthodox retail facilities, notably a tongue-in-cheek structure called the "Indeterminate Facade" in ] with a severely distressed facade. This building purportedly "appeared in more books on 20th-century architecture than photographs of any other modern structure".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texaschapbookpress.com/magellanslog54/indeterminatefacadeintro.htm |title=Bye-bye, Best Products: An Architecture Fairy Tale |accessdate=August 8, 2015 |website=Magellan's Log |publisher=Texas Chapbook Press |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827012947/http://www.texaschapbookpress.com/magellanslog54/indeterminatefacadeintro.htm |archivedate=August 27, 2006 |url-status=dead |first=Diebold |last=Essen |date=August 2003}}</ref> In Richmond, the company built the Peeling Wall showroom that appeared to have a peeling facade (located on ]) as well as a Forest showroom that appeared to have trees growing out of it (located at 9008 ]). The store in Sacramento also had a unique design. In the morning, its corner entryway would slide open, and would slide back shut at night. The structure, with its breakaway entry removed, is now a Best Buy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mall-hall-of-fame.blogspot.com/2009/01/outparcel-best-products-store-at-arden.html |title=Best Products Arden Fair, Sacramento |date=January 12, 2009 |accessdate=August 8, 2015 |website=Mall Hall of Fame blog |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> Photographs of these storefronts appeared in several Best catalogs. One anchored the ] in ], featuring a tilted front. As of 2007, most of these distinctive buildings have been converted into conventional buildings by removing the architectural embellishments, or in a few cases, demolished. The only building to retain its distinctive features is the ] in Richmond, now home to the West End Presbyterian Church, which has stated that the forest in the entryway has been an asset to the church's environment.
]
Best filed twice for ] bankruptcy protection. The first bankruptcy period began in January ] and lasted through ], ]. The second and final filing was made on ], ]. At the time of the second filing, Best operated 169 Best stores and 11 Best Jewelry stores in 23 states, and a nation-wide mail-order service. Some analysts believe that the catalog itself was the downfall of Best and other catalog-showroom retailers because it constrained stores’ product lines and prices for each catalog’s shelf life, sometimes up to 18 months, while competitors were free to adapt to market conditions.


Their Parham Road headquarters, built in 1981 and designed by ], was notable for an American Institute of Architects award and the use of ] eagles rescued from a New York building.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.henricomonthly.com/news/the-best-of-times |title=The Best of Times: Best Plaza awaits its next chapter |accessdate=August 8, 2015 |last=Griset |first=Rich |publisher=Henrico Monthly |date=<!--undated--> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809065340/http://www.henricomonthly.com/news/the-best-of-times |archive-date=August 9, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The giant BEST letters of the headquarters could be seen along Interstate 95 at Parham Road. Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer subsequently designed the West Wing of the Virginia Museum, which was funded by the Lewises.
Best Products was traded on the ] exchange as “BESTQ.” It was de-listed on ], ]. Best did not appeal the NASDAQ decision. By ], Best had liquidated most of its assets and was declared insolvent. Best vacated its corporate headquarters in Richmond in January ] and mailed out final checks to unsecured creditors the following December (paying 96 cents per dollar owed).


=== Retail concept ===
⚫ ==External links==

*
Best employed the "catalog showroom" concept for many of its product offerings. Although some product categories (such as sporting goods and toys) were stocked in traditional self-serve aisles, the majority of products (notably consumer electronics, housewares, and appliances) were featured as unboxed display models. Customers were permitted to examine and experiment with these models, and if found to be desirable, they could be purchased by submitting orders to store personnel. Saleable versions of the merchandise (usually boxed and/or in its original packaging) would then be retrieved from storage and delivered to a customer service area for subsequent purchase.
*

*
=== Acquisitions ===
*
⚫ As a cost-saving measure, Best jointly published its catalog with ] (founded by ]) and ] (founded by ]), and had regional non-compete agreements with those chains.
*

In 1982, Best acquired catalog competitors: ], a chain with 19 catalog showrooms in the Northeast and Ohio; and Modern Merchandising, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with 76 showrooms under the names ], ], ], ], Rogers and Great Western. This was followed by the acquisition of Ashby's, a 9-store women's clothing chain, and the opening of four Best Jewelry stores in the Washington D.C. metro area.<ref>{{cite book |title=A Guide to the Records of Best Product Co., Inc. |publisher=Virginia Historical Society |year=2002 |isbn=0-945015-22-4 |editor-last=Gilmour |editor-first=Laura E. |oclc=248421247}}</ref>

⚫ === Bankruptcy ===
], showroom. The location is now an ].]]
Best filed twice for ] bankruptcy protection. The first bankruptcy period began in January 1991 and lasted through June 16, 1994. The second and final filing was made in September 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/1996/09/30/weekinbiz.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021121000023/http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/1996/09/30/weekinbiz.html|title=News Digest - Best files for bankruptcy|website=]|archivedate=November 21, 2002|date=September 27, 1996|accessdate=November 20, 2023}}</ref> At the time of the second filing, Best operated 169 Best stores and 11 Best Jewelry stores in 23 states, and a nationwide mail-order service.

Best Products was traded on the ] exchange as "BESTQ." It was de-listed on November 29, 1996, and Best did not appeal the NASDAQ decision. The last Best stores closed on February 9, 1997.<ref name=ap-1997feb10>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/ded4e3f2ce502d0a638344a136bf50f4 |title=Catalog-showroom chain closes last stores |newspaper=] |date=February 10, 1997 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref><ref name=pi-1996oct08>{{cite news |url=http://articles.philly.com/1996-10-08/business/25667322_1_ocean-reef-management-stores-part-time-employees |title=Best Products To Shut 81 Stores, Lay Off 4,500 The Outlets In Cherry Hill And Delco Will Be Closed. The Bankrupt Chain Will Keep 88 Stores Open. |newspaper=] |date=October 8, 1996 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905103600/http://articles.philly.com/1996-10-08/business/25667322_1_ocean-reef-management-stores-part-time-employees |archive-date=2015-09-05 |first=Jane M. |last=Von Bergen |accessdate=2020-10-31}}</ref><ref name="os-1997feb11">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=February 11, 1997 |title=On The Record: Bankrupt Best Products closes last of its stores |newspaper=] |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1997/02/11/on-the-record-485/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222103442/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1997-02-11/business/9702100388_1_david-geffen-regency-realty-hsn |archive-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name=bs-1997may04>{{cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1997/05/04/lbo-funds-might-be-poised-for-a-comeback-assets-large-again-with-new-players-joining-usual-sources-a-lot-of-money-raised-buying-power-judged-much-greater-than-that-seen-in-1980s/ |title=LBO funds might be poised for a comeback Assets large again, with new players joining usual sources |newspaper=] |date=May 4, 1997 |first=Jay |last=Hancock}}</ref> By May 1997, Best had liquidated most of its assets and was declared ]. Best vacated its corporate headquarters in Richmond in January 1998 and mailed out final checks to unsecured creditors the following December (paying 96 cents per dollar owed).

== References ==
{{reflist}}

⚫ == External links ==
*
*
*


] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 14:21, 12 December 2024

American catalog showroom retail chainFor the home electronics chain, see Best Buy. For the New York department store, see Best & Company.
Best Products Company, Inc.
Company typePublic (NASDAQ: BESTQ)
IndustryRetail (Catalog merchant showroom)
Founded1957; 68 years ago (1957)
FounderSydney Lewis
Frances Lewis
DefunctFebruary 9, 1997; 27 years ago (1997-02-09) (last stores closed) December 1998; 26 years ago (1998-12) (liquidation completed)
FateChapter 11 bankruptcy liquidation
HeadquartersRichmond, Virginia
ProductsHome furnishings, consumer electronics, jewelry, housewares, toys
SubsidiariesAshby's, Basco, Dolgin's, Great Western, Jafco, Labelle's, Miller Sales, Modern Merchandising, Rogers

Best Products Company, Inc., or simply Best, was a chain of American catalog showroom retail stores founded by Sydney and Frances Lewis in 1957 and formerly headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. The company was in existence for four decades before closing all of their stores by February 1997 and completely liquidating by December 1998. At the time of their second bankruptcy filing in September 1996, the company operated 169 Best stores and 11 Best Jewelry stores in 23 states, as well as a nationwide mail-order service. When in operation, Best Products was traded on the NASDAQ exchange as "BESTQ".

History

The company was founded by Sydney Lewis and Frances Lewis. Sydney Lewis, a lawyer educated at Washington and Lee University and Harvard Business School, worked with his father managing an encyclopedia sales operation in Richmond. Lewis thought of selling additional merchandise along with the bills for encyclopedias. In 1957, the Lewises sent out their first catalog. The first showroom was at 4909 West Marshall Street in Richmond, just across the street from the new Willow Lawn Shopping Center.

The company had a strong sense of promotion and artistic sensibilities; it was legend in artistic circles that it would trade store merchandise for art. As a result, the company, as well as the Lewises, gathered a significant collection of 20th-century art. Much of the Lewis Collection can be seen at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and a café named after the company opened in that museum.

Best Café at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia.

Sculpture in the Environment

In the 1970s, Best Products contracted with James Wines' "Sculpture in the Environment" (SITE) architecture firm to design nine highly unorthodox retail facilities, notably a tongue-in-cheek structure called the "Indeterminate Facade" in Houston, Texas with a severely distressed facade. This building purportedly "appeared in more books on 20th-century architecture than photographs of any other modern structure". In Richmond, the company built the Peeling Wall showroom that appeared to have a peeling facade (located on Midlothian Turnpike) as well as a Forest showroom that appeared to have trees growing out of it (located at 9008 Quioccasin Road). The store in Sacramento also had a unique design. In the morning, its corner entryway would slide open, and would slide back shut at night. The structure, with its breakaway entry removed, is now a Best Buy. Photographs of these storefronts appeared in several Best catalogs. One anchored the Eudowood Plaza in Towson, Maryland, featuring a tilted front. As of 2007, most of these distinctive buildings have been converted into conventional buildings by removing the architectural embellishments, or in a few cases, demolished. The only building to retain its distinctive features is the Forest Building in Richmond, now home to the West End Presbyterian Church, which has stated that the forest in the entryway has been an asset to the church's environment.

Their Parham Road headquarters, built in 1981 and designed by Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer, was notable for an American Institute of Architects award and the use of Art Deco eagles rescued from a New York building. The giant BEST letters of the headquarters could be seen along Interstate 95 at Parham Road. Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer subsequently designed the West Wing of the Virginia Museum, which was funded by the Lewises.

Retail concept

Best employed the "catalog showroom" concept for many of its product offerings. Although some product categories (such as sporting goods and toys) were stocked in traditional self-serve aisles, the majority of products (notably consumer electronics, housewares, and appliances) were featured as unboxed display models. Customers were permitted to examine and experiment with these models, and if found to be desirable, they could be purchased by submitting orders to store personnel. Saleable versions of the merchandise (usually boxed and/or in its original packaging) would then be retrieved from storage and delivered to a customer service area for subsequent purchase.

Acquisitions

As a cost-saving measure, Best jointly published its catalog with Service Merchandise (founded by Harry Zimmerman) and Modern Merchandising (founded by Harold Roitenberg), and had regional non-compete agreements with those chains.

In 1982, Best acquired catalog competitors: Basco, a chain with 19 catalog showrooms in the Northeast and Ohio; and Modern Merchandising, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with 76 showrooms under the names LaBelle's, Dolgin's, Jafco, Miller Sales, Rogers and Great Western. This was followed by the acquisition of Ashby's, a 9-store women's clothing chain, and the opening of four Best Jewelry stores in the Washington D.C. metro area.

Bankruptcy

Terrarium facade of Hialeah, Florida, showroom. The location is now an Office Depot.

Best filed twice for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The first bankruptcy period began in January 1991 and lasted through June 16, 1994. The second and final filing was made in September 1996. At the time of the second filing, Best operated 169 Best stores and 11 Best Jewelry stores in 23 states, and a nationwide mail-order service.

Best Products was traded on the NASDAQ exchange as "BESTQ." It was de-listed on November 29, 1996, and Best did not appeal the NASDAQ decision. The last Best stores closed on February 9, 1997. By May 1997, Best had liquidated most of its assets and was declared insolvent. Best vacated its corporate headquarters in Richmond in January 1998 and mailed out final checks to unsecured creditors the following December (paying 96 cents per dollar owed).

References

  1. Essen, Diebold (August 2003). "Bye-bye, Best Products: An Architecture Fairy Tale". Magellan's Log. Texas Chapbook Press. Archived from the original on August 27, 2006. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  2. "Best Products Arden Fair, Sacramento". Mall Hall of Fame blog. January 12, 2009. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  3. Griset, Rich. "The Best of Times: Best Plaza awaits its next chapter". Henrico Monthly. Archived from the original on August 9, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  4. Gilmour, Laura E., ed. (2002). A Guide to the Records of Best Product Co., Inc. Virginia Historical Society. ISBN 0-945015-22-4. OCLC 248421247.
  5. "News Digest - Best files for bankruptcy". Washington Business Journal. September 27, 1996. Archived from the original on November 21, 2002. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  6. "Catalog-showroom chain closes last stores". Associated Press. February 10, 1997.
  7. Von Bergen, Jane M. (October 8, 1996). "Best Products To Shut 81 Stores, Lay Off 4,500 The Outlets In Cherry Hill And Delco Will Be Closed. The Bankrupt Chain Will Keep 88 Stores Open". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2015-09-05. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  8. "On The Record: Bankrupt Best Products closes last of its stores". Orlando Sentinel. February 11, 1997. Archived from the original on February 22, 2015.
  9. Hancock, Jay (May 4, 1997). "LBO funds might be poised for a comeback Assets large again, with new players joining usual sources". The Baltimore Sun.

External links

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