By Tracy Leigh
For almost 80 years, Goffin's 64 Park, located in Rutherford, New Jersey, has a rich history dating back to 1947. The Goffin family including Michael Goffin, Lew Goffin, and Bill Goffin, came to Rutherford from Forest Hills, Queens and opened a unique shop featuring gifts, toys, stationery, and art supplies, establishing the store as a one-stop-shop.
In 1951, Hall Brothers, J.C. and Don Hall from Hallmark, approached Goffin's to put card racks in their store, and in 1953, it became the first official Hallmark Gold Crown Store in the United States. The store was eventually sold to a Hallmark salesman in 1979, but the Goffin family would return to own the store in 1996 with son, Barry Goffin being the sole proprietor.
Barry wanted to feature Brighton goods in the store, but Brighton was particular about product placement and where their items were displayed in stores. With the help and profits from the 90’s Beanie Babies craze, Goffin was able to do a remodel of the store, consulting with Gary Kliesch of gk+a Architects in Rutherford to reimagine the store's layout. Brighton would be featured in the front of the store, and the Hallmark store in the back, making Goffin's the only store in the United States with Brighton and Hallmark in the same store with one door. They reopened in 1996 with a new look, but kept the original tin ceilings and bricks.
Throughout the years, the Goffin family had stores in various locations throughout New Jersey including Paramus Park Mall, on Route 22 in Union and in Morristown. 23 South Boutique in Morristown is still in operation celebrating 11 years this weekend. Watch this touching story of how they persevered through the pandemic and Covid shutdowns: YouTube Video
Goffin's was remodeled with a new front in 2000 and in 2016, Barry recreated Goffin’s once again, this time calling it "a multi-focus" gift store. Goffin's 64 Park is an exciting gift and jewelry boutique that includes an infamous chocolate and candy shop as well as an upscale Hallmark card and gift department. The store has even hired high school students to help with social media and marketing, and college kids come back from school to help out during the holidays and summer.
Goffin's 64 Park has become a Rutherford icon and a town favorite, with its deep history and commitment to being a one-stop-shop for all gift and stationery needs. It's a testament to the enduring power of family-owned businesses and the importance of adapting to changing times.
Make sure to visit Goffin's 64 Park this Saturday, April 1st, beginning at 9 am, and discover its one-of-a-kind charm firsthand. They're hosting their 80th Anniversary event and will be serving delicious farm-to-table soups from Oldwick Soup Company, along with sliders from Matera's until 5 pm. While you're there, don't forget to say hello to Barry; he'll be delighted to see you.
Goffin's 64 Park
64 Park Ave.
Rutherford, NJ 07070
Email: info@64parkboutique.com
Tel: 201.438.3636
Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sundays: 10 am - 4 pm
Facebook: 64parkgiftboutique
Instagram: Goffins64park
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