Curacao was founded in Burbank, California, in 1978 by current CEO Jerry Azarkman. Originally named La Curacao, the company was popular among lower income Hispanics who were unable to buy on credit. Curacao allowed clients to purchase items with only down payment, then collect money from customers weekly.
Azarkman originally sold out of his home, as well as door to door sales. He spoke very little English and no Spanish at the time, but he learned quickly. Azarkman is known for saying that courtesy and respect are languages everyone understands. Curacao opened its first store in the Pico district of Los Angeles in 1983.
Today, Curacao has more than 11 stores throughout Southern California, two stores in Arizona, with plans to expand to Texas and Nevada. Curacao employs more than 2,180 persons and annual revenue in 2014 of $2.5 million.
CuracaoCuracao was founded in Burbank, California, in 1978 by current CEO Jerry Azarkman. Originally named La Curacao, the company was popular among lower income Hispanics who were unable to buy on credit. Curacao allowed clients to purchase items with only down payment, then collect money from customers weekly.
Azarkman originally sold out of his home, as well as door to door sales. He spoke very little English and no Spanish at the time, but he learned quickly. Azarkman is known for saying that courtesy and respect are languages everyone understands. Curacao opened its first store in the Pico district of Los Angeles in 1983.
Today, Curacao has more than 11 stores throughout Southern California, two stores in Arizona, with plans to expand to Texas and Nevada. Curacao employs more than 2,180 persons and annual revenue in 2014 of $2.5 million.