When you hear the name La-Z-Boy, chances are you immediately picture comfort, quality, and that irresistible urge to kick back and relax. But have you ever wondered where this household name actually came from?
From two ambitious cousins tinkering in a garage to a worldwide leader in home furnishings, La-Z-Boy’s journey is packed with innovation, resilience, and a whole lot of creativity. And here at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Kingston and Gatineau, we’re proud to be part of that rich history.
Ready to travel back in time? Let’s dive into the story of La-Z-Boy—how it all began, how it grew, and where it’s headed next.
Key Takeaways:
- La-Z-Boy was founded by two cousins, Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker, in 1927.
- Their first recliner was invented in 1928 as a wooden outdoor chair that mimicked the natural shape of the body.
- La-Z-Boy survived the Great Depression and thrived during the following decades by expanding its product line and embracing innovation.
- The brand has become a staple in pop culture, appearing on shows like Friends and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
- La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Kingston and Gatineau has been serving Eastern Ontario for over 50 years and is independently owned and operated in Canada.
- The newest Gatineau store opened in 2024, expanding our reach across the National Capital Region.
In This Article...
- What is the History of La-Z-Boy?
- The Origin of the ‘La-Z-Boy’ Name
- Expansion and Innovation Through the Decades
- The History of La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Kingston & Gatineau
What is the History of La-Z-Boy?
The story of La-Z-Boy begins nearly 100 years ago in 1927, when two cousins, Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker, decided to leave their farming roots behind and follow their true passion—working with wood. Operating out of Monroe, Michigan, their company first took the name Kan-Shoe Company before evolving into Floral City Furniture.
Their first hit product? A wooden telephone bench known as The Gossiper, designed for comfort during those long-winded phone calls—a cutting-edge concept for its time!
But it wasn’t until 1928 that they struck gold. Inspired by the simple pleasure of relaxing outdoors, the duo created the first reclining wooden chair, designed to cradle the body whether sitting up or lounging back. Customers loved it. And when Knabusch and Shoemaker decided to upholster the chair for indoor comfort, the popularity of their design skyrocketed.
The La-Z-Boy recliner was officially born.
The Origin of the "La-Z-Boy" Name - 1928
Now, they had the perfect product. But what about the name? Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker realized that if their revolutionary chair was going to be a hit, it needed a catchy, memorable name. And so, they did something pretty creative for the time—they held a naming contest among their factory workers.
There were many great ideas! “Sit N Snooze”, “Comfort Carrier”, and “Slack Back” are some of the suggestions.
But the real winner? La-Z-Boy—a brilliant, cheeky twist on the word “lazy” that perfectly captured the product’s essence: kick back, relax, and enjoy the comfort of doing absolutely nothing.
The name wasn’t just catchy; it was a marketing stroke of genius. Consumers loved it, and it’s stuck around for nearly a century. However, with such a unique name came some common misspellings over the years:
- Lazy Boy
- Lazy-Boy
- Lay-Z-Boy
But despite the confusion, the distinctive spelling has always set the brand apart. And it’s catchy enough that everyone remembers it, whether they spell it right or not.
1930s
The Great Depression was a brutal time for businesses everywhere, but Knabusch and Shoemaker’s creativity helped them keep their company afloat. With customers struggling financially, they accepted payments in the form of wheat, cows, and coal. This ingenuity allowed them to continue operating and even expand into retail sales.
The company’s resilience paid off. As the economy slowly recovered, Floral City Furniture continued to gain popularity. The demand for their innovative reclining chairs only grew, prompting the cousins to dream bigger.
1940s
The 1940s brought about massive challenges with the onset of World War II. La-Z-Boy opened its first stand-alone factory, but just a year later, the entire plant was converted to produce military supplies. From 1941 to 1946, every bit of their effort went into supporting the war effort.
Despite these challenges, they managed to keep the spirit of their company alive through La-Z-News, a newsletter that kept employees informed and connected. Even during wartime, they maintained their focus on innovation and employee morale.
1950s
The post-war boom era of the 1950s ushered in a wave of exciting new products for La-Z-Boy. As Americans looked to upgrade their homes and embrace leisure, La-Z-Boy responded with innovative features like the Otto-Matic footrest—a built-in ottoman designed for added comfort and convenience.
They also introduced the Tranqualator, an optional vibration feature that added a whole new level of relaxation. These advancements made La-Z-Boy chairs even more appealing to consumers looking for luxury and comfort in their living rooms.
1960s
This decade was all about expansion and innovation. La-Z-Boy introduced the Rocker Recliner, which became an instant hit and a staple of American living rooms.
The company's growth wasn’t limited to new products—it expanded its manufacturing capabilities across the United States, with new factories opening in Newton, MS, Redlands, CA, and Florence, SC. This expansion allowed La-Z-Boy to meet growing demand and establish itself as a leader in the furniture industry.
1970s - 1990s
La-Z-Boy continued to push boundaries by launching a wider range of products beyond recliners. The 1970s saw the introduction of swivel chairs, reclining desks, and sleeper sofas.
By the 1980s, La-Z-Boy was a household name with a reputation for quality and comfort. They expanded their line to include stationary sofas and launched memorable advertising campaigns. Slogans like “And you thought we just made a good recliner” were designed to highlight the company’s evolving product range.
During the 1990s, La-Z-Boy participated in the LADD Furniture Deal, partnering with brands like American Drew, Kincaid, and Hammary. This move broadened their offerings to include various case goods like chests, tables, dressers, and bookshelves.
La-Z-Boy also created clever ad campaigns featuring raccoons, emphasizing the brand’s expansion beyond recliners. This era established La-Z-Boy as a full-service furniture provider capable of furnishing every room of the house.
2000s - Present
La-Z-Boy’s innovation didn’t stop at furniture. As technology advanced, so did their approach to marketing and customer experience. The brand embraced the digital era, launching the first mobile site, iPad app, and 3D room planner. They also introduced the Power Recliner XR, making recliners easier and more enjoyable to use with the touch of a button.
La-Z-Boy also found its way into pop culture, appearing on shows like Friends, Dancing with the Stars, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Today, La-Z-Boy operates over 325 stores worldwide, employing approximately 11,000 people. Its headquarters are located in Dayton, Tennessee.
The History of La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston
For over 50 years, La-Z-Boy has been a trusted name in Ottawa, Kingston, and now Gatineau. But what makes our locations special? We're independently owned and operated in Canada, with a deep commitment to serving our local communities.
La-Z-Boy recliners were originally sold by general dealers like Van Leeuwen’s, Valley Squire, and Colonial Furniture. The first dedicated La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries store opened on Hunt Club Road in 1998, providing customers with direct access to the entire La-Z-Boy collection. The Cyrville location also opened up around this time, about two years after the Hunt Club location.
The Maxwell brothers, James and David, took over the Ottawa stores in 2011 and expanded their reach to the Kingston location in 2012. Since then, La-Z-Boy has continued to grow, with another location in Kanata, which opened in 2016, and a brand-new Gatineau location in 2024.
This newest store has helped us expand our reach across the National Capital Region, making it easier than ever for customers in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston to enjoy the comfort, quality, and style La-Z-Boy is known for.
To learn more about La-Z-Boy Ottawa Gatineau and Kingston, take a look at our About Us page.
What’s Next?
The history of La-Z-Boy lives on and continues to evolve in every one of our happy customers.
At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston, we strive to maintain the La-Z-Boy name by helping our clients find comfortable and stylish furniture that best suits their needs and preferences.
Are you looking for quality and comfortable furniture that lives up to the La-Z-Boy name? To get started, take a look at some of our best-selling furniture:
- 5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Recliners in Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston
- 5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Sofas in Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston
- 5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Sectionals in Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston
Our team of design consultants and expert interior designers can help you find the perfect furniture for your needs, style, and space. With our complimentary design services, our team will ensure that whatever furniture you purchase fits seamlessly with your home decor.
Visit us at a local showroom or schedule a visit online to get started!
To learn more about our La-Z-Boy furniture selection, take a look at this comprehensive Living Room Furniture Guide.
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Furniture Buying Guide: 10 Questions to Ask When Buying Furniture