Remembering Monroe Milstein: Visionary Founder of Burlington Coat Factory and Humble Giant of American Retail
UNITED STATES — With profound respect and deep reflection, we honor the life and legacy of Monroe Milstein, the visionary entrepreneur who founded Burlington Coat Factory and transformed the landscape of American retail. Milstein passed away peacefully at the age of 98, leaving behind a remarkable story of perseverance, humility, and generosity that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born into modest beginnings, Milstein would go on to build one of the most recognizable names in retail — not through ego or corporate ambition, but through a grounded belief in serving people. His enduring quote, “I feel I’m a very average fellow … I got lucky,” is emblematic of a man who never let success overshadow his humility or distance him from the working-class communities he served.
A Humble Beginning and a Revolutionary Idea
Monroe Milstein’s journey began with a single store in Burlington, New Jersey, which he and his wife Henrietta opened in 1972. Originally intended as a wholesale coat outlet, Burlington Coat Factory quickly evolved into a full-scale department store — offering not just coats but clothing, shoes, baby products, and home goods at affordable prices.
Milstein’s genius lay in understanding the needs of everyday Americans. He created a shopping experience that offered high-quality products at discount prices, giving families access to brand-name merchandise without breaking the bank. His belief was simple: everyone deserves to dress well and live with dignity, regardless of income.
Under Milstein’s leadership, the company expanded from one location to hundreds across the country. Yet even as Burlington Coat Factory became a household name, Milstein never saw himself as a business mogul. He remained approachable, soft-spoken, and consistently loyal to the values that built his brand.
A Man of the People
Despite his success, Milstein famously rode the public bus to work, a reflection of his deeply rooted humility and desire to remain connected to the people his stores served. He wasn’t just the face behind the brand — he was the heart of it.
Colleagues recall that Monroe made a point of walking the store aisles, talking to employees, listening to customers, and making sure the company culture remained true to its founding values of affordability, accessibility, and care. To him, retail was never just about sales — it was about service.
Giving Back: The Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Legacy
One of Milstein’s most celebrated contributions was Burlington’s annual coat drive, known as the Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Coat Drive, launched in partnership with organizations like One Warm Coat and Good Morning America. The initiative collected and distributed hundreds of thousands of coats to families in need, reinforcing Milstein’s lifelong mission of helping people feel protected, warm, and cared for.
This philanthropic endeavor was not just a corporate initiative — it was personal to Milstein. He viewed giving back not as charity, but as responsibility, and instilled that ethic into the company’s DNA.
An Industry Transformed
Milstein’s impact on the retail industry is undeniable. He pioneered a model that balanced value with quality, created job opportunities nationwide, and redefined what it meant to be a community-oriented retailer. He didn’t just sell coats — he wrapped people in dignity and respect.
Business leaders and peers across the retail world have paid tribute to Milstein, many highlighting his integrity, vision, and the quiet way he led by example.
“Monroe Milstein taught us that you could build a billion-dollar business without sacrificing your soul,” one former executive said. “He cared more about his employees and customers than he did about stock prices. That’s rare.”
A Life Well Lived
Monroe Milstein is survived by his loving family, including children and grandchildren who carry forward his values and legacy. He leaves behind a company that, even in a changing retail landscape, still bears the mark of his mission: serve the customer, support the community, and never forget where you came from.
Funeral services will be held privately, but a public celebration of life is expected to be announced by the Milstein family in the coming weeks. Tributes have poured in from across the country, reflecting the widespread gratitude for a man who made an enormous difference without ever demanding the spotlight.
A Lasting Legacy
As we remember Monroe Milstein, we celebrate not just the founder of a national brand, but a true American original — a man who believed that with honesty, hard work, and compassion, anyone could make a difference. His life was a testament to the power of modesty, the strength of service, and the enduring impact of one person’s unwavering vision.
Rest in peace, Monroe Milstein. Your warmth, your wisdom, and your example will never be forgotten.
“Success is not measured by what you have, but by what you give.” — a belief Monroe lived every day.