B’nai Jacob Golden Book

The Saks family of Niagara Falls, Canada, particularly known for owning Saks Furniture, has a history rooted in the broader narrative of Jewish immigration and entrepreneurial success in the region during the 20th century.

The Saks family’s story in Niagara Falls begins with William Saks and Doris Saks, the parents of Robert (often called Bob) Saks, who would later become a central figure in the family’s business ventures. William Saks was born in Syracuse, New York, and later moved to Niagara Falls, New York, before crossing the border to settle in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Doris, on the other hand, was an immigrant from Lithuania who arrived in Niagara Falls, Ontario. After their marriage, William and Doris chose to establish their lives in Niagara Falls, Canada, a city that was seeing an influx of Jewish immigrants in the early 1900s, drawn by opportunities and word-of-mouth recommendations from earlier settlers.

In 1931, during the depths of the Great Depression, William and Doris Saks opened Saks Furniture at 5863 Ferry Street in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The early years were challenging due to the economic climate, and the business struggled to gain traction. Robert Saks, born in Niagara Falls, Canada, joined the family business at a young age to help support it during these tough times. His involvement marked the beginning of a new chapter for Saks Furniture. Once the Depression eased, the business began to prosper, becoming a well-known name in the Niagara Region for home furnishings. Saks Furniture earned a reputation for quality and customer service, with the family paying special attention to their customers’ needs—a trait that endeared them to the community. It was not uncommon for Robert to be stopped on the street by locals reminiscing about purchases made at the store, even years after it closed.

Robert Saks married Mary Adam, who was born in 1936 in Romania and immigrated to Toronto around 1954 with her brother. Together, they continued to build on the family’s legacy. The success of Saks Furniture allowed the family to diversify their interests. In 1985, leveraging Robert’s earlier interest in the hotel industry and the growing tourism sector in Niagara Falls, the Saks family opened the Renaissance Hotel on Fallsview Boulevard. Its prime location and the family’s commitment to excellent guest service made it a successful venture.

Saks Furniture operated until 2008, when it closed its doors after decades of service. That same year, the family sold the Renaissance Hotel, marking the end of their direct involvement in these businesses. The Saks family left a lasting legacy in Niagara Falls. Their contributions to the local economy and community are still remembered by residents, reflecting their journey from immigrant roots to prominent local entrepreneurs.

The Saks family’s story is also part of the broader history of Jewish families in Niagara Falls who established significant business ventures, contributing to the city’s commercial landscape. Their success mirrors the resilience and determination of many immigrant families who built prosperous lives in Canada during the 20th century.