Staying Alive
As Morris Sokol furniture turns 86, its owners reflect on the history and success of the family business
BY EMILY COLLINS
In Charleston, the Morris Sokol furniture store is a household name, its flashy, glowing sign a familiar landmark on upper King Street. The store is packed with brightly patterned furniture, mosaic lamps, a bubbling fish tank and awards that line the walls. Despite massive changes in the upper King Street area, the store has stood the test of time. In fact, it is celebrating its 86th anniversary this year.
It all began after World War I, when Morris Sokol left his homeland in Poland for Charleston. Despite the 14.5 million immigrants who made new homes in America between 1900 and 1920, South Carolina attracted few immigrants. Only 2,500 Northern Europeans immigrated to South Carolina in the early 1900s, making Sokol one of the few foreigners to make a new home for himself in Charleston.
Upon his arrival in 1921, he worked as a street vendor, explains Joseph Sokol, Morris’ son. “He first sold goods on his bike, then his horse and wagon and finally a car,” he says. Morris soon found furniture to be the most popular commodity among his customers, convincing him to open Morris Sokol furniture in 1929 at its current location on King Street.
After Morris' passing in 1985, Joseph took over the store. He's been working there since 1955, when he got out of the service. “So this marks my 60th year,” he says. “People don’t do that these days. Nobody stays that long on the job.”
Morris Sokol, which opened its doors in 1929, has seen vast changes on King Street through its 86 years.
The store is truly a family business, employing Joseph’s wife, Freida; his daughter, Eve; and his brother-in-law, Herbert Rosner. The other employees, though not family members, have been in place a long time: Herbert Rosner has served as vice president of the furniture store for 45 years, and sales associate Al Riley has been working at the store for 28 years.
The Sokol family has seen significant changes on upper King Street over the last 86 years, including the deterioration of upper King in the 1970s and 1980s. But the most significant changes have occurred in the last seven years. “Its been a roller coaster of ups and downs but right now it’s spectacular; it’s good to see people on the street,” says Joseph. “The nightlife is unbelievable, and its really spurred development of the property and development of what used to be boarded-up buildings.”
Joseph notes that until recently “people would not come north of Calhoun Street.” But now, says sales associate Riley, “business is unbelievable.” He sees shoppers from “different places around the city, around the state, and around the world. Charleston is definitely the best place to be. The secret is out.”
In addition to selling furniture, the store provides interior design services, often helping out with the local film industry. The store has provided furniture and design services for films like The Notebook, Dear John and series like Army Wives and Revenge.
But the store has managed to maintain its local, hometown values. According to the Morris Sokol website, Joseph “greets everyone with his charming smile and welcoming demeanor.” That, even more than the glowing sign on King Street, is what makes Morris Sokol a Charleston classic.