By HMPR
Mrs. G TV & Appliances, the 3rd generation woman-owned independent retailer celebrating 77 years of business, was recently honored with two New Jersey business awards. The 2012 New Jersey Family Business of the Year Award by the Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurship was awarded on October 17th, followed by New Jersey Retailer of the Year by the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association on October 24th.
The Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurship, which is part of Fairleigh Dickinson University Silberman College of Business, teaches and supports entrepreneurship and innovation in the academic, business and nonprofit communities. For 20 years, the Institute has awarded New Jersey family businesses to highlight their successes and commitment to the community. Mrs. G received the award for the “Up to $10 Million” category and Becht Engineering of Liberty Corner, NJ won in the “Over $10 Million” category.
“When I submitted my entry I not only talked about the 3 generations of women owners but also the generations of managers and sales associates that work at Mrs. G,” said CEO Debbie Schaeffer, who is the granddaughter of the store’s co-founder and namesake Beatrice Greenburg, Mrs. G. “I have a dedicated father-son management team, Tom and Chris Grey, and two brothers, Keith and Pete Foerst, who enjoy sharing their stories with the generations of customers who are loyal to Mrs. G’s”
The award given by the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association was in part due to Debbie Schaeffer’s advocacy at the state level for Internet sales tax reform. As a result of her public support, a new bill will go into effect July 2013 that will mandate online retailers, like Amazon.com, to charge sales tax. This will level the playing field between online and brick and mortar retailers and help strengthen the state’s economy.
The New Jersey Retail Merchants Association was founded by groups of retailers who were concerned over the growing amount of legislation being introduced that directly impacted New Jersey businesses. The non-profit organization is located in Trenton and acts as the voice of the New Jersey retail community.
“The combination of tradition and innovation, giving back to the community, focusing on 1-1 relationships and using social media strategically has been my formula for success,” commented Ms. Schaeffer. “I work very hard to promote a buy local campaign. Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60% higher rate than chains and Internet retailers. When you buy local, you will be supporting family businesses who hire locally, support community based nonprofits and schools and serve as the foundation of New Jersey’s economic strength.”
Ms. Schaeffer’s business practice has influenced other independent retailers at the local, statewide and even national level. She and Mrs. G TV & Appliances has received many honors and awards including Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce Innovator of the Year Award 2011, Legacy Award for Women in Consumer Electronics 2010, Princeton YWCA Tribute to Women Award 2010, Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Small Business Award 2009. Ms. Schaeffer has been rewarded through the numerous organizations she supports on behalf of Mrs. G’s as well. Last month, the store hosted their 2nd annual “Paint Our Fridge Pink” contest to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Central & South Jersey. The contest, which was open to kids in middle through high school, allowed students to be creative for a good cause. She also supports the National Junior Tennis & Learning of Trenton each year for their gala.
In 2012, Mrs. G celebrated its 77th year in business. With a commitment to the best customer service and the lowest prices around, guaranteed, Mrs. G TV & Appliances remains the foremost appliances dealer and electronics store in the NJ and PA area.

