Murray and Ida Rotman have been associated with the furniture and carpet business since the mid 1950's. They owned the furniture and carpet concessions in the former C. T. Sherers and later, the Barnards Department store in downtown Worcester. In 1964, Murray and Ida started Rotmans at its present location at College Square. They began by leasing 10,000 square feet in the former Whittall Carpet Mill.

Soon, they were joined by their son Steven. Later, Murray and Ida's other two son's also joined the firm, Barry in 1966 and Bernie in 1980.

Throughout the years, Rotmans expanded into additional parts of the former mill complex to reach 60,000 square feet of showroom. The stores slogan was "7 Stores on 5 Floors Under 1 Roof." Rotmans experienced dramatic growth in the 80's - which made the store known as one of the largest single store operations of its kind in the country. So the new slogan - "New England's Largest Furniture and Carpet Store."

The Rotmans family attributes their business success to it's large inventory, competitive pricing, experienced sales associates, and comprehensive customer service programs. One of Rotmans most innovative community service programs is its "Furniture Exchange" which brings customers old furniture (which they are replacing) to families in need throughout Worcester county. This is a partnership program with the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance.

Rotmans is also proud of its aggressive in-house advertising agency which has effectively brought the "fantastic" message of Rotmans to areas well beyond the confines of Worcester county.

Recently, Rotmans completed an ambitious $2 million expansion that when finished doubled showroom and warehouse space to over 200,000 square feet. It is the company's largest expansion yet, creating new galleries and displays for diningrooms, dinettes, entertainment, livingroom, home office, area rugs, and orientals. Also, they added "Cafe Fantastique." An exciting venue for Saturday morning childrens program, Saturday evening concerts and Thursday night "Home Beautiful" Seminars. On occasion Rotmans also plays host to local and national sports stars for autograph signings.

Murray passed away in the spring of 2004. Ida is still partially active in the business although now into her 90's, and the business continues to flourish, with sons Barry, Steve and Bernie at the helm.

As Rotmans continues to grow, the Rotman family and their associates hope to build upon all the hard work and success of the past as they look forward to a "fantastic" future for Rotmans and it's wonderful home city of Worcester.