Avanti marks 95th market in company history

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/18/2013 1:49:23 PM

New York - During the New York Home Fashions Market here this week, Avanti marks its 95th consecutive market week.

Co-founders Arthur and Sandy Tauber in April will have another cause for celebration: their 53rd wedding anniversary.

So what do they have planned for these momentous occasions?

"The really big celebration would be on our 100th market," said company chairman Arthur Tauber, half-jokingly.

Avanti was founded on April 10, 1969, and about the same time the company took its first order - from Lord & Taylor.

"We were very lucky that we made money on our very first year in business," he explained. "We've consistently been in business for many, many years and survived a lot. We survived big time Hurricane Sandy [in October 2012], even though it practically destroyed our factory. But in just three weeks time we got it all back to business."

Looking back, Tauber recalled Avanti's first market, held at the Americana Hotel on Broadway around 48th Street.

"Who knew back then what we would become," he said.

One last - and important - note he wanted to add.

"I am very grateful to have my son, Michael Tauber [company president], as well as Jeff Kaufman [president/coo] running this business with me. I have an awful lot to be thankful that they are at my side making this company the success that it is."