History

The history of our company begins at the turn of the 20^th century. While the city of Buffalo, New York was celebrating the Pan American Exposition of 1901, our company, originally Buffalo Novelty Bazaar was formed. As you might expect by the name, a variety of goods were sold. In the year 1916, with only a few dollars in his pocket, George Smilanich Sr. emigrated from Europe to the United States to pursue the great American dream. However, shortly after arriving, he was drafted to fight in WWI and had to put his aspirations on hold. Once relieved of duty, he returned to Buffalo, to resume his life and found a job at Buffalo Novelty Bazaar. Within a few years of working there he purchased the business and eventually changed the name of the company to George & Co.

In the years to come, the business would continue on with family members working together through difficult times. Son, George Jr. after his duty in WWII, would return to the family business to work alongside his father and eventually take over the reins of the family business in 1950. After a few moves and expanding his line of products along the way he soon would make his store a local destination. Known as “Buffalo’s Most Unusual Store”, he sold gifts, games, novelties, costumes and much more. He also manufactured dice and supplied gaming equipment to customers all over the world.

In 1985, sons George III, and Peter after years of working part-time after school and weekends would become partners with their dad in the business. It was the year 1994, when George & Peter decided to separate the retail and manufacturing businesses. The manufacturing business, now George & Company LLC, moved to Florida in 2002 and operates different websites, selling games and game supplies. After 14 years in the Eastern Hills Mall, George & Company is now located at the corner of Main St. and Transit Rd. next to Aldi's in the Transit town plaza. Now with a fourth generation involved in the business, we expect to continue to evolve and grow. We thank all our customers, without you we could not have lasted all these years.