Glen Joffe

Glen Joffe founded PRIMITIVE in 1990. PRIMITIVE is a unique store in Chicago that presents authentic, indigenous cultural objects that are not typical tourist choices. Now located in Chicago’s Fulton River District, the PRIMITIVE flagship store is a 31,000-square foot space filled with the wonders of the world, most of them functional, relevant and usable in modern homes. PRIMITIVE also maintains a warehouse of equal size in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. PRIMITIVE's original name was Primitive Art Works. In 2005, Primitive Art Works dropped Art and Works from its name, and changed its name to just PRIMITIVE. As Glen Joffe explains, “Art and works represent things. PRIMITIVE represents a thought, an idea, a feeling. By dropping art and works from our name we were eliminating boundaries." He explains further, "The truth is, much of what we present is very sophisticated material exceeding people's pre-existing ideas of what constitutes Primitive." From unusual artifacts to furnishings for home, office and commercial use, Glen Joffe’s goal is to offer objects that are authentic, functional and meaningful, as he believes that In keeping with that theme, clients will find objects and furnishings that will enhance their lives and grow in value. For over 20 years, he has been presenting textiles, furniture, artifacts, jewelry, and fashion which connect PRIMITIVE clients to other people, places and times, past, present and future. As Glen Joffe says, "That is the nature of authentic material." Glen Joffe has also built PRIMITIVE into an establishment that is known not only by its name, but also as a brand. In 2003, PRIMITIVE began manufacturing custom furniture at the request of professional design clients. Over time, PRIMITIVE began to both design and manufacture home furnishings and accessories as well as proprietary fashion . Apparently, the world has taken notice, as PRIMITIVE and Glen Joffe were awarded Chicago’s Rising Star Award in 2008. It won a 2009 Greater North Michigan Avenue Association Holiday Window Award. Glen Joffe graduated from the University of Illinois, where he earned a B.S. in communications. After graduation, he worked in sales for the Orchestral Association, the parent organization of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.