11/24/2025
George & Company — 124 Years of Gratitude
After more than a century in business, our family is announcing our retirement and that the George & Company retail store will be closing at the end of 2025.
Founded in 1901, George & Company has been carried proudly through four generations of the Smilanich family. What started as a small family venture grew into a local landmark, and we have been grateful to serve customers across Western New York for 124 years.
Over the decades, we had the honor of being one of the first Halloween stores in the region, helping create traditions that families looked forward to every fall. We’ve sold countless chess sets, novelties, magic tricks, and gifts. Along the way, we were supported by wonderful employees, including longtime team members like Dorothy Hartzburg and Karen Noe, whose presence meant a great deal to our family.
This is a natural and meaningful transition for us. We’re incredibly proud of the legacy built over more than a century, and deeply grateful for the customers, friends, and community who have supported us for so many years. Your loyalty and kindness are the reason our store lasted for over a century.
While our physical storefront is closing in Buffalo, NY, our online presence will remain. Our family business in Naples, Florida will continue to manufacture and distribute the original LCR® Left Center Right™ family suite of games. We look forward to continuing to serve customers through these channels for years to come.
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of the George & Company story.
With appreciation,
The Smilanich Family