Decades of hard-earned growth position Arett Sales as a go-to source for smart retail solutions
Built on four generations of dedicated service and family values, Arett Sales is shaping the future of retail distribution. As a family-owned and operated business specializing in lawn, garden, outdoor décor, home, and holiday supplies, it is dedicated to being the partner of choice for retailers across the US. Aspiring to set new industry standards for efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Arett Sales brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, drawing on an admirable legacy in retail distribution.
President, Noah Chesbrough, introduces the business to Retail Merchandiser, starting with its history. “While Arett was formally established in 1951, our roots stretch all the way back to the 1930s, with Librett Hardware. Based in New Rochelle, New York, this hardware store was founded by my great-grandfather, Charles Librett, who emigrated from Russia in 1918. Over time, he was joined by his sons, including my grandfather, Irv Librett.
“Irv soon began delivering hardware products to other local retailers, planting the seeds for our distribution business. In 1951, Charles partnered with Dave Boylan and Eric Mueller to formally launch Arett Sales out of a warehouse in New Rochelle, servicing hardware and garden stores throughout New England and parts of the Mid-Atlantic,” Noah elaborates.
“By 1963, Irv created Arett Sales Corp. of New Jersey, opening a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Cherry Hill to serve retailers in New Jersey, south to North Carolina and west to Ohio. That first year brought in $275,000 in sales – and it hasn’t stopped growing since. My mother, Mauri Librett, joined the business in 1977 and launched Greensmith, an advertising agency helping retailers drive sales and store traffic. My father, Lindsey Chesbrough, joined in 1985 and partnered with my mother to accelerate the company’s growth. When my grandfather, Irv, passed away, Lindsey stepped in as CEO and, with my mother, led Arett through a pivotal era of expansion. Under their leadership, Arett grew significantly, driven by strategic acquisitions like Good Prod Sales, Crawford Distribution Corp, The Messinger Company, Pascack Sales, and Lose Brothers.
“We also expanded our private label portfolio with lines such as Terra Verde, Terra Verde Home, Good Tidings, Good Prod, and The Works. Our warehouse footprint grew substantially, and we embraced innovation across operations, merchandising, and customer engagement.”
Indeed, the company’s private label programs are growing brands within the Arett umbrella that are quickly gaining market share across the United States. Today, the Good Tidings brand, for example, is sold by large retail chains and single store retailers. The company sells full containers of artificial Christmas trees, outdoor décor and lights, as well as LTL shipments of mixed goods. Some use Good Tidings as a one-stop shop for all their holiday needs, while others use the brand to supplement their own container buys.
Arett’s expansion continued in 1992, with the creation of National Prime Source (NPS) – a strategic partnership between Arett Sales, BWI Companies, L&L Nursery,
and VG Supply. “NPS was built to provide national-scale distribution, logistics, and merchandising services to major retailers and manufacturers,” Noah continues. “Today, NPS is jointly operated by Arett and BWI, and proudly services retailers such as Home Depot, AutoZone, Best Buy, Burlington, and TJ Maxx. It delivers curated assortments, seasonal programs, custom display builds, and full pallet solutions across North America.
“Additionally, in April 2024, Arett launched its West Coast distribution hub, expanding our footprint beyond the Eastern and Midwestern US for the first time. This investment enhanced service levels and delivery speed for existing national customers, while positioning us for strategic growth into independent retailers, farm stores, and garden centers across the Western US.”
Thanks to this forward thinking and bold approach to expansion and development, today Arett ships to customers nationwide from over 750,000 square feet of warehouse space throughout the country, employing over 175 team members, including a 40-person sales force.
“We proudly service a wide range of independent and regional garden centers and hardware stores, as well as farm stores, hydroponic retailers, e-commerce sellers, grocery and convenience stores, specialty outdoor living shops, auto retailers, and box stores,” explains Noah. “We believe deeply in the strength of independent retail. These stores are more than just places to shop; they’re trusted community hubs built on expertise, relationships, and authenticity. As consumer preferences shift toward more personalized and meaningful experiences, we see independents playing an even bigger role in the future of retail. As a family-owned business ourselves, we understand their challenges and share their values. Supporting these retailers isn’t just part of our strategy; it’s central to who we are.
“We source products from all around the world to bring our customers innovative, high-quality, and competitively priced assortments. Whether through direct import shipments, truckloads, less-than-truckload, drop ship, or seasonal programs, our goal is to help these businesses grow with curated assortments, fast delivery, and personalized service.
“I joined Arett as Director of Marketing in 2010 and have led day-to-day operations since 2020. I became President in 2023, working alongside my twin brother, Adam Chesbrough. He came aboard in 2018 and was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2023. Together, we are continuing the legacy of four generations, while preparing Arett for the next 75 years of growth and innovation.”
Delivering unparalleled support and a diverse product range, Arett stays true to its roots. “We primarily distribute lawn, garden, home, and holiday products. Through our partnerships with more than 300 manufacturers, we offer over 80,000 unique items each year. We carry national consumer brands like Scotts, Duracell, Charbroil, Colgate, and Procter & Gamble, and well recognized lawn and garden brands like Jonathan Green, Felco, Bonide, Fox Farm, and Dramm.
“With thousands of active customers across the US, we combine national reach with a commitment to local relationships. We deliver full-scale programs, custom planograms, marketing support, trade shows, drop ship fulfillment, and 3PL services. Our 3PL offering includes flexible warehousing and logistics for retailers, cross-docking containers, and custom displays. We also support manufacturers seeking regional or national LTL distribution, so they can stay focused on what they do best – producing quality goods and shipping full truckloads.”
As Arett celebrates 75 years of success, Noah looks back on the company’s legacy and considers what’s to come. “Arett stands apart because of its adaptability, long-lasting relationships, and exemplary execution of services. We’ve consistently evolved with the times, introducing new products, launching programs, and jumping on opportunities as they arise.
“We’re extremely flexible. If there’s a problem, we respond immediately. If there’s an opportunity, we act fast. On the relationship side, we’re a family-owned and operated business, just like many of our customers and manufacturer partners. We understand the importance of loyalty, fairness, and mutual respect. For any partnership to succeed, the people involved must enjoy working together. Our longest-tenured employee has been with Arett for 48 years, and while that number isn’t met often, many of our team members have been with us for ten to 20 years or more.
“That experience is invaluable to the service we provide our customers and more importantly, it shows that the Arett team genuinely enjoys the work they do and the people they do it with. And finally, we execute. Whether it’s a spring promotion, a private label rollout, or a full-scale West Coast launch, we follow through and get the job done.
“In the coming years, our mission will remain the same; to be the vendor of choice for retailers and manufacturers alike, providing quality products and services at a fair price, while excelling in storage, shipping, sales, marketing, and merchandising. We’ll continue to lead through innovation, simplify how we work, and stay relentlessly focused on total customer satisfaction,” he concludes.