Three Generations
In 1946, Dave Platt Sr. moved his family from Philadelphia to Ocean City NJ, where he began selling door-to-door everything from children’s shoes and toys to large and small appliances throughout Cape May and Atlantic counties. He sold his products for “a dollar down and a dollar a week” -and he had fun doing it! By 1950, he had a store on Asbury Ave., where he sold appliances and TVs in partnership with a brother-in-law and great uncle.
He moved his store to Somers Point in 1954, occupying a building owned by another great uncle, behind the iconic Point Diner: “Platt’s Furniture & Appliances.” He expanded his merchandise to include furniture, appliances, carpet, window treatments, men’s clothing, and home improvements. Dave Sr. was well-known and well-respected in the community, conducting business on a handshake with all customers.
In 1958, Dave Sr. moved his business to a rented space at 25 MacArthur Blvd. -our current location- eventually buying the property, expanding it with a second floor and more showroom space, under the name “Platt’s Furniture.” His son, Dave Platt Jr., who always planned to work for his father after military service, did just that, starting in delivery and stock and, after taking classes at Peirce Business School in 1960-1, he focused on business administration.
In 1976, Dave Jr. married Celeste Platt and they bought the business and property from Dave Sr. With new energy, they cultivated exclusive relationships with vendors by opening brand-name galleries at the store, while investing aggressively to establish the Platt’s brand through radio, print, television, and promotional events. The Platt’s reputation for service was maintained with custom woodworking, custom reupholstery, and custom window treatments.
Dave Jr.’s son, David III, started working in the delivery department as a teenager in 1974, quickly becoming the warehouse manager. In 2004, he joined the company ownership with Dave Jr. and Celeste. By this time, Platt’s furniture had become solely focused on the beach house and rental property market, offering unique products that define our coastal style. To reflect this, in 2011 the official business name was changed to “Platt’s Beach House Furnishings.”
In 2014, the business passed to the third generation. Dave Jr., Celeste, and Dave III officially retired, selling the business to Thomas Platt, Cheryl Platt, and Jeanette Mueller. All three had worked in the business in many roles throughout their lives and were well-prepared to continue the family tradition. They remain dedicated to serving the shore homeowner and visitor with unique products and personalized customer service, while capturing new trends in the coastal lifestyle.
We love the shore as much as you do and we’re happy to help you make your beach house dreams come true! Thank you for your continued support!
Somers Point Business Association Member http://somerspointba.org