Kaufman Brothers Inc. started out in 1922 as a wholesale candy business and was occupying these buildings at 70-74 Columbus Ave. in Pittsfield during the 1940s. Kaufman Brothers provided retailers with candy and soda fountain supplies. [The Kaufman brothers got into the toy business by accident. During the 1940s, they acquired a wholesale toy company from a previous client as payment for outstanding debts owed to Kaufman Brothers for purchased candy. It was an opportune moment for Kaufman Brothers to diversify because the cost of producing candy was prohibitive during World War II due to shortages of important ingredients, especially sugar. Kaufman Brothers assumed operation of the toy company, changing its name to Kay-Bee Toy & Hobby Stores. By 1948, the toy business was so much more successful than the confectionary business that the Kaufman brothers decided to focus their energies entirely on toys.
In 1981 the busines was sold to Melville Corporation and in 1996 it was sold to the company that operates Big Lots stores.]

Posted By: Thanks to John Reagan - 10-08-2009
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