Our Story

In 1994, William Philby, ASID and Mitchell Bloch opened Retro Interiors, a small, high-end, traditional interior design showroom on Federal Hwy in Fort Lauderdale. The firm quickly grew and received local and national attention for its design work and showroom display. A little more than 10 years later, Bill and Mitchell decided to open a contemporary retail furniture store that would make designer level furnishings available to everyone. They chose the Wilton Manors location at a time when Wilton Manors growth was in its infancy. After turning what used to be a hardware store into a furniture showroom, Island City Traders was born.

For 19 years the showroom has been a resource hub for both retail customers and interior designers. With the owner’s relationships with top manufacturers around the world, Island City Traders quickly became known for furnishings of quality and style. In 2016, out of more than 39,000 furniture retailers, Island City Traders was named as one of the top 50 home furnishings retailer stars in the United States by Home Accents, one of the industry’s leading trade publications.

Unlike big box store business models, Island City Traders does not buy an item in quantity, trying to appeal to the masses. Instead, we constantly scour the furniture markets around the country for individual pieces that stand on their own. Whether it is a small startup company or a major manufacturer, if they introduce a piece that meets our criteria, we bring it to our customers. Our belief is people want something unique, something of quality, and a piece that identifies with their personal style. And when it’s sold, something different replaces it. This constant influx of new pieces is one reason why so many customers return to shop month after month.

While the showroom may be small, we have a deep reach. We offer over 200 lines of home furnishings, accessories, lighting, art, rugs, etc. While our showroom may display the best we offer, our staff is extremely knowledgeable and seasoned and are happy to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

We invite you to experience Island City Traders and start living like a designer.