Guys & Dolls Furniture in Aurora, Colorado was founded in 1953 by civil engineer and inventor Len Rivkin. 54 years later the business is now operated by 3 generations at the same time, Len's son Bart, and grandson Jason. The store is a true testament to the “American Dream”; the ability to become prosperous and provide for a family through hard work and determination. In todays' market of corporate mergers and huge conglomerates, small independent retailers seem to be heading the way of the dinosaurs. Guys & Dolls ability to survive the tests of time is dependent on the ability to change and adapt.

In the late 1940's Len Rivkin worked as a Civil Engineer for the government. His job led him to remote areas of Wyoming for surveying assignments. On what would be his last outing, he got so lost that he had to drive his truck along the railroad lines just to get back to civilization. The bumpy ride back must have jostled the idea of finding a better career path. Shortly thereafter Len discovered a “niche market” in Denver Colorado.

Len's father-in-law, George Gelfand had a business back east called “Jersey Go Cart Co.” that sold strollers, prams, and other baby products. Having some experience with children's products and being awestruck with Colorado's beauty, Len decided to open a business. He went back to New Jersey and convinced his wife (Reva), and her sister and husband (Max and Harriette Sklar) to head out West.

Exploring the Denver Metro area led Rivkin to a bustling and economically thriving Colfax Ave. At the time the original hit musical “Guys & Dolls” was performing on Broadway. Reva Rivkin thought the name would be great for their new store and wrote to the theater producers on Broadway and asked for permission. The production company, thinking that the expanded use of the name would be good for publicity, sent written permission back to Colorado. The name was registered and the store was opened at 5327 E. Colfax Ave (approximately 8000 sq. ft.).

The first Guys & Dolls store offered a broad selection of toys and a little furniture. A second 6000 sq. ft. store was opened in 1955 at the JCRS Shopping Center at W. Colfax Ave & Pierce St. in Lakewood (where Casa Bonita now resides). Len & Reva Rivkin, and Max & Harriette Sklar operated 2 children's merchandise stores with no other employees. They even did all of the assembly and deliveries. In the early years it was not uncommon for the men to be out making deliveries on Christmas Eve and early Christmas morning.

In 1960 the first location at E. Colfax was moved into a much bigger store. Guys & Dolls at 6200 E. Colfax was almost 40,000 sq. ft. including the basement. The basement was built as a bomb shelter around WWII.

The new store had a much expanded product line which included outdoor play equipment, toys, furniture, and children's hobbies such as electric slot cars and trains. Guys & Dolls had business relationships with toy manufacturers Ideal, Marx Brothers, Mattel, and Madame Alexander Dolls. Guys & Dolls even had their own line of children's clothing.

“Guys & Dolls Opens on Broadway!” In 1964 the second store in Lakewood was moved to Englewood at 3473 S. Broadway at Hampden. The new location is over 20,000 sq. ft. and the number and types of products offered also increases.

Bart Rivkin enters the family business around 1973 and brings new and fresh ideas to what has become a real Colorado landmark. By this time many of the customers at Guys & Dolls are second generation. Their parents bought their furniture from the store and now they are buying furniture for babies on the way.

During the late 1970's the market changed due to the advent and success of national brand “Big Boxes” such as Kmart. Guys & Dolls discontinues carrying clothing, toys, and hobby accessories. The new niche market is “space saving” furniture for children. The store adapts and finds new products for the customers that already know and appreciate the quality and service that Guys & Dolls offers.

In 1981 Max Sklar retires and Bart Rivkin buys his stock in the business. Bart manages the E. Colfax store and Len manages the S. Broadway store.

Walgreens Drug Store buys the property at E. Colfax in 1995 and Guys & Dolls is down to one location.

Guys & Dolls Furniture grows up in 2005! After 50 years a store big enough to display the “Largest Selection of Children's Furniture in Colorado” is found. The new Guys & Dolls Furniture is located at 13280 E. Mississippi Ave. in Aurora, 1 block west of I-225. The new store has a 50,000 sq. ft. showroom and large on-site warehouse equipped with 3 full size truck docks. The business now employs close to 20 people and specializes in nursery furniture, space-saving and modular kid's furniture and accessories.

Three family generations working together in one location. Jason Rivkin enters the business in 2006 bringing with him knowledge and a Business Finance degree from Colorado State University. Len Rivkin is probably one of the happiest people in the world now. His dream has grown and developed into a truly amazing sight to behold. Jason Rivkin has committed himself to ensure that Guys & Dolls makes it to the 100th birthday and beyond.

Guys and Dolls Furniture is a Aurora, Colorado furniture store. The privately owned company sells primarily children's furniture and accessories.

Some of the products Guys and Dolls Furniture offer are: area rugs, armoire, bassetts, beds-bunks, beds-full, beds-queen, beds-king, beds with canopy, beds with slide, day beds, book cases, car seats, changing stations, changing tables, comforters, cribs, crib mattresses, desks, dressers, diaper stacker, foot rests, glider, glide rockers, swivel gliders, high chair, hutch, lamps, linen, mattresses, media centers, mirrors, night stand, ottomans, recliners, step stools, strollers, jogging strollers, table & chairs children, toy boxes, toy chests, trundles, unfinished furniture and wall hangings

Max Sklar & Len Rivkin display new products from Strolee in 1956.

Max Sklar proudly showcases the variety and selection of children’s products that Guys & Dolls offers. Location of the first store at 5327 E. Colfax Ave.

Guys & Dolls Furniture has been a member of the Colorado Better Business Bureau beginning in 1991 with an unblemished record since 1991.

In 1953 the first Guys & Dolls store opens at 5327 E. Colfax Ave. The first location was 12,000 sq. ft. of furniture, toys, and clothing. Len Rivkin had written to the producers of the Broadway musical and asked for permission to use the name in Colorado. The producers agreed with the idea that the name would help spread recognition and publicity for the musical.

At the E Colfax location in 1966, the car races always drew large crowds. Max Sklar is seen here with Bart Rivkin as a boy.

Guys & Dolls Furniture at 6200 E. Colfax Ave.

Len Rivkin demonstrates the first child safe car-seat for use in vehicles equipped with bucket seats that he invented and patented in 1960. With the help of Strolee Company, the idea is advertised and marketed on a national level. The concept of the original car seat is still common to products used today.

1957, Max Sklar on the Fred & Fay television show at
KLZ Channel 7.

With much success at the newer E Colfax location, Guys & Dolls Furniture expands to a second location, 3473 S. Broadway. Similar to the Broadway play, Guys & Dolls was now on Broadway. The new store is 3 levels with a 20,000 sq. ft. showroom.

View more pictures of Guys and Dolls history here
Please note slide show will open in seperate page