Star Furniture Explained
Star Furniture, is an American home furnishing store headquartered in Houston, Texas that sells furniture, rugs, mattresses, draperies and accessories.[1] Star Furniture is the oldest operating furniture store in Texas and celebrated its 110th year in business in 2022.[2] Star Furniture is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.
History
Star was founded in 1912[3] by three men who pooled their resources to buy a horse and buggy to deliver furniture in Houston, Texas.
Russian immigrant Boris Wolff bought a ¼ interest in the store in 1924, and by 1950, Star had six stores. Boris passed the company on to his two children Melvyn Wolff and Shirley Wolff Toomim. Melvyn Wolff became president of the company in 1962 and in 1997, the Wolff's decided to sell the company to aid its growth. Melvyn Wolff retired,[4] and Warren Buffett purchased the company, which is now a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary.[5] [6] Wolff remained Chairman of the Board until his death in 2017;[7] Shirley Toomim is Vice Chairman.[8]
Star Furniture has eleven stores – six in Greater Houston and one each in San Antonio, Austin and Bryan; as well as two clearance stores located in Houston.[9] Some of the brand names Star carries include Natuzzi, Thomasville, Kincaid, Bernhardt, Hooker and Serta.[10] [11] [12]
Community involvement
Star Furniture has instituted the Red Apple Award, which provides a prize of classroom furniture to an outstanding teacher each year.[13] The company also participates in the Season For Caring program[14] and Habitat for Humanity.[15]
Notes and References
- Web site: Star Furniture Company. Inside View. 3 June 2013.
- Web site: Engel. Clint. Star Furniture Celebrates 100 Years with $250,000 Giveaway.. Furniture Today. April 30, 2013.
- http://www.chron.com/life/article/Furniture-company-marks-centennial-3497751.php "Furniture company marks centennial"
- News: Star Furniture chain CEO to retire. Houston Chronicle. 2017-07-19.
- News: Warren Buffet big hit in Fort Bend County. Houston Chronicle. 2017-07-19.
- http://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/20150301-buffett-keeps-mum-on-colony-opening-of-nebraska-furniture-mart.ece "Warren Buffett keeps mum on Nebraska Furniture Mart opening in The Colony"
- http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=185619868 Melvyn Wolff
- Web site: Wollam. Allison. Star Furniture Restructures Top Management. Houston Business Journal. 3 June 2013.
- News: Star Furniture & Mattresses has opened up a new location at 12312 Barker Cypress Rd. . 16 September 2020 . Great Day Houston . KHOU 11 . 23 May 2019.
- Book: Bud Labitan. Moats : The Competitive Advantages of Buffett and Munger Businesses. 1 November 2012. Lulu.com. 978-1-105-41808-2. 296–.
- Web site: Star Furniture sale solves estate tax dilemma . June 29, 1997 . Laura . Elder . www.bizjournals.com.
- http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/539494-Star_Furniture_Opens_Store_in_New_Houston_Location.php "Star Furniture Opens Store in New Houston Location"
- http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/cypresscreek/news/khou-honors-kahla-ms-teacher-with-star-furniture-red-apple/article_20d58723-bf76-5664-b93f-889c971acd92.html "KHOU honors Kahla MS teacher with Star Furniture Red Apple Award"
- http://www.statesman.com/news/news/star-furniture-fills-familys-round-rock-apartment-/njZw5/ "Star Furniture fills family's Round Rock apartment with new furniture"
- http://www.click2houston.com/community/kprc-habitat-home-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-today/25150598 "KPRC Habitat Home welcomes new family"
