Kirshon carries on tradition at Home Décor Group
Kirshon Paint built up a reputation that was so trusted and revered that customers fondly called the store simply, Kirshon’s. The Kirshon Family owned and operated the business for 73 years on Pearl Street, with proud son Barry Kirshon taking the reins as owner for the past 40 years.
Last June, Barry made the decision to sell the business to the Home Décor Group, a seven-store, decorating paint chain based in Peabody and owned by the Tapper family, Lee and Leslie Tapper, and sons, Jonathan and Michael.
“I had decided to look in to selling the business because I wanted to retire in a few years,” said Barry. “My daughters [Melanie and Kimberly] and their husbands enjoy their careers and they didn’t want to go in to the paint business.”
At the age of 63, Barry felt it was time to start his retirement and begin enjoying life after retirement.
“The Tapper family made an offer and we worked out an agreement where they would buy the business and I would work for them for a few more years to keep the same flow of business and make it an easy transition for my customers and employees,” explained Barry, who is now the store manager.
The change in ownership has allowed Barry to take more vacations with his family and spend time with his three grandsons.
Customers, though, still enjoy seeing Barry and purchasing the store’s familiar products and brands. Hollywood movie producers have made his store the No. 1 choice for paints for local movie sets and locations.
Barry has always made sure that his business was a member of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. He served with distinction as president of the Rotary Club and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow,
The store’s commitment and support of Chelsea organizations goes all the way back to its founding. For years the Kirshon family sponsored the dynastic Chelsea Little League Red Legs team, featuring such all-time greats as Mike Lush, Peter Hanlon, Scott Cole, the Richard brothers, Jack and Eddie, Paul Wheeler, and Earl Vigoda.
Operating during the current coronavirus crisis
Barry Kirshon spoke about Home Décor and how the COVID-19 crisis has affected the business.
“We are considered an essential business due to the cleaning products that we have,” noted Barry.
He said for the sake of employees’ safety the store has changed its operating hours to Monday to Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We’re offering curbside service after a customer calls in with their order,” said Barry.
Interestingly, Benjamin Moore, the store’s main supplier of paint, is producing hand sanitizers for distribution in stores.
Still The One
While the familiar Kirshon Paint sign still hangs outside the building at 124 Pearl St., the store is officially known as Home Décor Group of Chelsea.
And Barry Kirshon – the well-known businessman and community leader, husband of Darleen Nelson Kirshon, father and grandfather, and exceptional candlepin bowler – is present at the store each day welcoming old friends and loyal customers.