Zimmans

Zimman’s is a family-owned fabric and home furnishings store in downtown Lynn that describes itself as the largest showroom of fabrics in New England. Its floors hold more than 50,000 fabrics, from vintage to avant-garde, including upholstery, drapery, outdoor and fashion fabrics, along with wallpaper and furnishings. If something isn’t on the floor, the staff can source almost anything, and in-house designers help customers turn ideas into finished projects.

The business dates to 1909, when Morris Zimman opened a dry goods shop in Lynn and once sold slightly soggy muslin from the contents of a sunken ship. His son Barry opened one of New England’s first self-service department stores after returning from Navy service in World War II, and later generations moved into designer fabrics bought at auction, furniture and design services. Today the fourth generation, Daniel Zimman, is part of the team.

What to Know

• Services include re-upholstery and custom window treatments with in-home measuring and installation.
• Zimman’s has been featured in Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston and Best of Boston Home.
• Fabrics from Zimman’s were used to dress sets in Little Women.
• The store occupies the former Goddard Bros. Department Store building.