Ohio Retailer Coconis Furniture Completes Final Phase Of Expansion

Furniture World Magazine

After more than one year of ongoing construction, Coconis Furniture has finished the final phase of the most comprehensive expansion and remodeling project ever in its 78 year history. Over 20,000 square feet of the original warehouse has been converted to showroom that now totals 65,000 square feet. A new state-of-the-art off site warehouse located adjacent to the store was completed in the summer of 2005. In addition to the added showroom, new customer conveniences have been included to make the shopping experience even more enjoyable: a “Kid’s Cottage” play area designed to keep the younger shoppers entertained and “Ol’ Paul’s Café,” featuring light snacks and refreshments for the hungry and thirsty customer. To further enhance the ambience of the store, a large “Welcome” waterfall was added at the entrance and two stone fireplaces were constructed in the main areas of the showroom. America’s newest Flexsteel gallery was also added to showcase an array of high quality upholstered furniture collections. The addition and remodeling represents the largest expansion Coconis Furniture has ever completed since it originally opened in Zanesville, circa 1927, as the Zanesville Furniture Company. The building site where Coconis Furniture exists today encompasses a city block that was once occupied by: the South Zanesville Post Office, the South Zanesville Police and Fire department, a Doctor’s office, a neighborhood grocery and 5 residential homes. Coconis Furniture is owned by third generation family members; Randy and Paul Jr. Coconis and fourth generation family members; son, Chad Coconis and daughter, Erin Coconis Shatto. The Coconis Furniture Story Sometime in early 1900, Nick Coconis, founder of Coconis Furniture, came to America from Tenadus, Greece to find freedom and happiness. He arrived on a merchant ship at Ellis Island and made his way from New York City to East Liverpool, Ohio where he opened a small restaurant. This is also where he met his future wife Stella. Over a period of several years, Nick was able to save enough money to fund the passage of his younger sister and brother from Greece to America. In 1927 he moved to Zanesville and opened a small second hand furniture store in the downtown named “The Zanesville Furniture Company.” Later in 1953, 2nd generation sons, Paul and Don Coconis, took over the business and a new store was built at its present location in South Zanesville. The store’s name was also changed to “Hallmark Furniture”. The store remained in business until 1960 when it was converted for a short time to a restaurant called the Burger House. In 1961 the furniture business was reopened under the name “Furniture Discount House”. In 1981 3rd generation sons of Paul Coconis, Randy and Paul Jr. Coconis took over the business and changed the name to Coconis Furniture, Inc. Today after several expansions Coconis Furniture has grown to become one of Ohio’s largest family owned furniture stores. The store’s history continues with 4th generation family members, Chad Coconis and Erin Coconis Shatto as they are involved in the business today.