Our History

Fish Furniture is a story that began in 1925, when Ester Fischgrund opened its doors with a vision: to bring comfort and dignity into people’s homes. At a time when America was rebuilding from hardship, Ester’s store quickly became a place where families could trust they would be treated with honesty and care.

 

In 1955, upon returning from the Korean War, Al Geller came to work for Fish Furniture and took over running the day-to-day operations. In 1963, he then purchased the company, carrying forward Ester’s promise of quality and service. Al along with his wife, Norma Geller, the company’s bookkeeper, built the business together. In 1971, they opened the 3,000 sq. ft. 2nd location in N. Olmsted. Then in 1981, they moved the downtown store to Mayfield Heights. Further expansions came in 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2010 for a combined 145,000 sq. ft. spread over three locations.

 

In 1986, Al’s son Dan Geller stepped into leadership. Dan modernized the business and grew its operations. Under his stewardship, Fish became a household name in Northeast Ohio. Families returned generation after generation, buying their first sofas, their dining tables, children's beds - all from Fish Furniture. After nearly four decades of guiding the company, Dan continues to serve as the President of Fish Furniture.

​

Fish Furniture remains a family-owned business serving NE Ohio and its future generations, and continues its philanthropy and community service tradition by participating in dozens of local causes each year.

 

Today, as Fish Furniture marks 100 years, it honors every employee and family who made its history possible.