|
|
From minor market stall to major furniture store……the story of Stoller's - Barrow’s oldest furniture shop When a young Latvian immigrant, Issiah Stoller, set up his market stall in Barrow-in-Furness at the turn of the 19 th century, he couldn't have dreamed he was planting the first seed of a trading dynasty which continues to this day. Selling mainly textiles, Issiah's stall did so well that he went on to open his first shop in 1905. Business soon outgrew the premises, prompting a move to the Dalton Road premises which was to be Stoller's home for almost 90 years. Stoller's rapidly became a household name in Barrow and by the end of the 1930's, Issiah's eight children all began their working lives in the family firm. One son, Tony, decided to begin his own business in Bowness, soon becoming a respected part of its business community. When Issiah passed away in 1944, another son, Phil, ably took his place. Stoller's is justifiably proud of the fact that, due to the caring nature of the family's 'men in suits', many employees spend all their working lives at Stoller's - some staff spanning 20, 30 and even more than 50 years working for the company. This loyalty, coupled with quality merchandise, resulted in most homes in Barrow in the 1950s and 1960s owning furniture and fabrics from Stollers. By the 1970's, Barrow's expanding shipyard had made a huge impact on trade in the town, including Stoller's. Ever sensitive to emerging trends, Stollers further expanded the Barrow shop to provide customers with the latest styles and interior design suggestions. It was at around this time that David Stoller, Tony’s son, joined the family business. And when Phil Stoller passed away in November 1989, having run the company for 40 years, David became Stoller's Managing Director. David’s son Lee, soon followed at 15, and is now the current Sales Director, while David’s sister, Rochelle, is part of the sales team. 1994 witnessed Stollers opening their new Furniture World Superstore in Barrow, just off Walney Road. This offers a huge creative space, especially planned to showcase some of the finest furniture brand names available. And it's worked! In 1995 the store won the Nat West Streamline 'Independent Retailer of the Year' Excellence Award and was also a finalist in the prestigious U.K. Furniture Industry Awards. Finally, to crown these successes in November 2004, a senior family member, Marcia Stoller, opened a further extension to the store, further enhancing floor space to an incredible 110,000sq ft. From Issiah's market stall, Stoller's of Barrow-in-Furness has developed into one of the finest interior furnishing stores in the north west! “As well as continuing to serve local people, we are now a true destination store. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal staff, past and present, for their fantastic commitment over the years and all our customers for their continued goodwill and support.” David Stoller - Managing Director |
