HOW THIS HUSBAND-AND-WIFE DESIGN DUO BUILT A NAME AND BUSINESS ON FAMILY AND THE FIRST-CLASS EXPERIENCE BY ELIZABETH HAZARD

PHOTOS BY VIOLET KARYN PHOTOGRAPHY

For Jim and Jody Hall, owners of Gables New York, family has always been at the heart of their business.What was born in the owners’ basement has since grown into a luxury interior design showroom in New Dorp, and today the Halls, along with their dedicated team of eight (who they call family), pamper their customers with first-class customer service, from initial conversation to the final result.

Gables is the only Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer on Staten Island and offers a full suite of shutters, drapes, blinds, and top-end shades including sheer, cellular, Roman, roller, woven, and vertical. Customers are also treated to a curated selection of upholstered furniture from notable brands like Burton James, Sarreid, Lexington Home, Thibaut, Design Master, and more. Jody Hall said she learned early in her entrepreneurial journey the importance of quality. It was crucial for her to specialize in high-grade, American-made products.“We decided we didn’t want to sell just anything,” she said. “That’s why we became the only gallery dealer for Hunter Douglas in Staten Island. You have to be all in if you want to offer quality products to your customers.”

 The Gables team offers a full-service concierge experience, from initial consultation (ordered in store or on site) through design and concept up until installation. The Halls ensure their customers are benefiting from the team’s experience. It’s something Jody said sets them apart. “More than half of our business is repeat business. We stand apart for our customer service. ”

 The concept was originally born in 2006, when the Halls youngest son was diagnosed with Autism. “We knew we needed a more flexible lifestyle that would fit the needs of our family,” shesaid. Jim, who studied interior design and architectural history, had both a background and passion for the business, and it was Jody’s innovative thinking, business acumen, and love of family that brought the couple full circle when launching the business. While still working in real estate, the duo teamed up to create Gables, at the time working from their basement as they grew their customer base. Soon, they were able to expand to a small storefront in New Dorp.

Today, 17 years later, business is booming, and that small initial storefront is now triple in size. Jody said her business is the quintessential mom-and-pop store. They promise a personalized,hands-on approach, something that’s often lost with big box stores and online retailers. She said their success lies in quality products, intelligence, attention to detail, customer service, and a loyal clientele.

 Having grown up in Staten Island herself, she recognizesthe importance of the showroom’s location. “We are thrilled to be in the shopping destination that is New Dorp Lane. It’s a really great community and we’re so happy to be here. There’s nothing better than to be a small business in the heart of the Island and I hope to be here for many more years to come.”

For the Halls, bouncing back from COVID reinforced the strength of their team and customers. “I’m so grateful that our customers stuck with us. We are better than ever now,” she said. Infact, Gables is launching its second gallery in Alexandra, Virginia, set to open this spring. Looking back on what her team has built, Jody said the reward is happy customers. “We always leave client’s interior better than we found it. They trust us to work in their home. They are so happy with the results, they keep inviting us back.”