Hammacher Schlemmer: After 170 Years, Still Going Strong

NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In the age of Amazon and Google, Hammacher Schlemmer, publisher of America's longest-running catalog, celebrates its 170th anniversary by staying true to the business principles upon which it was founded in 1848. From its humble beginnings in New York's Bowery district, the revered retailer, while continuously adapting to changing times, has always followed this simple, yet powerful formula for success: offer quality products, embrace innovation, and provide superior customer service.

"One of the biggest reasons for our longevity is that we have never strayed from our mission of providing customers with truly unique, innovative products that solve problems," explained General Manager Nick DiMarco.

A New York City destination for 170 years, the beloved purveyor of gadgets and unique gifts sells intriguing and unusual high-quality products for the home, entertainment, health and well-being, and fitness. Hammacher Schlemmer is renowned for introducing consumers to breakthrough products that are now commonplace, such as the portable radio, the electric shaver, the steam iron, and the pop-up toaster.

Hammacher Schlemmer introduced well over 1,000 new products last year—many of them exclusives which cannot be purchased elsewhere. Notable among these items is The Two Way Live Conversation Speaking Translator that enables seamless verbal communication between people that don't share a common language. Another well-received, innovative product is The Posture Correcting Neuroband Shirt, reinforced with core muscle-activating support panels that promote upright posture as well as relieve back and neck.

But at Hammacher Schlemmer, it's not enough for a product to be innovative. It must also meet the company's stringent quality standards which are upheld by an unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. In fact, Hammacher Schlemmer is so focused on quality that in 1983 it established an independent, affiliated organization to ensure products are worthy of inclusion in its assortment of "the Best, the Only, and the Unexpected". The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute provides customers with reliable product information based on extensive side-by-side comparison testing of leading products. The Institute awards the coveted "Best" title to the model that outperforms all other candidates.

"A Lifetime Guarantee is almost unheard of in this age of online shopping," said Mr. DiMarco. "It lets our customers know we have the utmost confidence in our products—and so should they."

Hammacher Schlemmer's reputation for innovation usually centers on its products, with good reason. Among the revolutionary items the company has introduced are such household staples as the electric toothbrush, the microwave oven, and the cordless telephone.

But throughout its 170-year history, Hammacher Schlemmer has also pioneered progressive conveniences that greatly enhanced its customers' shopping experience. They were one of the original 271 subscribers to the Bell Telephone Company, one of the first stores to install electric lighting and offer delivery by truck, and among the first online retailers beginning with Compuserve in 1986.

"Throughout our history we've embraced innovation in all its forms", said Mr. DiMarco. "We're always finding new ways to enhance the changing lifestyles of our customers."

A New York institution that remains a must-see shopping destination for tourists and natives today, Hammacher Schlemmer's Manhattan store provides a personalized showcase for its unique collection of "the Best, the Only, and the Unexpected". The double-height space encourages visitors to engage with Hammacher Schlemmer's eclectic mix of gifts, gadgets, electronics, and problem-solving items in ways not possible on a web site. Customers can also shop from its well-known catalog—the longest running in the country—and any time on its Web site, www.hammacher.com.

Because Hammacher Schlemmer is a company owned by employees, customers receive the dedicated attention of an owner and treatment worthy of their continued patronage—a notion that is all too often overlooked in today's self-service culture.

"In a market where guarantees and gift cards are only as good as the company they're from, Hammacher Schlemmer has stood steadfast behind its products and service for eight generations," stated Mr. DiMarco. "Our unconditional lifetime guarantee and the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute's assiduous product testing reassure customers that no purchase is ever final and that the products we sell are truly the best of their kind."

Hammacher Schlemmer's well-deserved reputation for high-quality, innovative products and outstanding customer service has attracted America's best known personalities, from stars of stage, screen and TV, to heads of state, members of Royalty, and captains of industry. Famous or otherwise, Hammacher Schlemmer's customers can rest assured the retail institution will stay true to the core values that have earned its loyal following and its status as one of America's longest-lived companies.

"We are merely stewards of this venerable brand," said Mr. DiMarco. "I'm confident that Hammacher Schlemmer will still be a leader of innovation in another 170 years."

About Hammacher Schlemmer

Hammacher Schlemmer is America's longest running catalog, offering the Best, the Only, and the Unexpected since 1848. The company provides unique products that solve problems or represent the only one of their kind and backs its products by a rather famous Lifetime Guarantee of Complete Satisfaction. Hammacher Schlemmer's innovative offerings are available through its catalog, online at www.hammacher.com, and at its landmark store on East 57th Street in New York City.

About The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute

The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute is an independent, affiliated, testing organization that was started in 1983 to test products to determine those items that are superior in a given category. The Institute regularly conducts rigorous product tests in laboratory and home-use settings, in consultation with technicians, experts, and consumer panels.

Additional Information

For more information about Hammacher Schlemmer or their products, please contact Trish Hammond at (847) 581-8987 or via e-mail at [email protected].

SOURCE Hammacher Schlemmer

Related Links

http://www.hammacher.com