The Garbe's Story

While Garbe's started in 1970 with primarily light fixtures and hardware, over the years it has been transformed into the unique store that it is today. Garbe's showroom still features a large selection if fine lighting fixtures. Traditional and contemporary chandeliers, Tiffanies, table and desk lamps, outdoor fixtures, and track and recessed lighting can be found. Perhaps most stunning are the fine crystal chandeliers In Garbe's "Crystal Room," which also displays Oneida flatware, hollowware, and stemware.

Throughout the store an other beautiful amenities such as hand-printed oil paintings, imported pots and vases, and perhaps Tulsa's best selection of mirrors. Bathroom accessories and quality faucet and shower sets are also featured. Garbe's offers things for collectors as well: porcelain birds and animals, chinaware, dolls, and miniatures. People enjoy beautiful things in their homes." says Garbe. "We enjoy merchandising things that make people happy."

Garbe's strategy must be working. In 1994, his employee staff grew by 25% to maintain the level of personal sales attention unique to Garbe's. Garbe adds, You just can't get our kind of one-on-one attention and sales knowledge at most retail centers."

Garbe plans for more sales and employment growth. "We're seeing a new generation of customers coming in just as their parents did twenty years ago," notes Garbe. That's what we're all about -family. Building long-standing relationships with customers, employees, builders, and remodelers has been the key to our repeat business and overall success."

In 1994, the store launched its own catalog, featuring hardware, plumbing fixtures, and home accessories. The catalog has been selectively distributed in all fifty states, and is available by request. In addition to strong area sales, Garbe's is also experiencing in creased sales due to Branson and Springfield, Missouri areas.