Mayor Tim DeGeeter Treated To Tour Of Basista Furniture

Mayor Tim DeGeeter presenting Basista brothers, Stan Jr. and Tom, with a Proclamation honoring their business.

Basista Furniture has been a hidden gem in Parma for almost 60 years. Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter was recently invited to tour the store, along with Ann Marie Powers and Randy Carpenter of COSE, and President of the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce, Dave Nedrich. Basista Furniture got its start in 1941 when Stan Basista Sr. bought out West Park Appliances. In 1957, he started selling furniture rather than appliances. After Basista had moved the business to 5296 State Road, its current location, he changed the name from West Park Appliances to Basista Furniture. 

In his sophomore year of college, Stan Jr. was certain he wanted to become a stockbroker or a CPA, he joined his father’s business after graduating college in 1973. A few years after, his brother Tom joined him. To add to their business success, an exit ramp from I-480 was finished in 1987 which made it easier to draw in more business. “We were very fortunate to have the I-480 exit ramp at State Road open in 1987,” Tom explained. “Once that exit opened it took our business to a new level.” 

Stan and Tom pride themselves on selling a majority of USA-made furniture while many chain furniture store competitors use furniture made in China. Tom explained, “We carry a lot of Amish-made furniture that is only about an hour and a half away from here.” Though Basista sends trucks out to pick up the furniture, Stan Jr. assured that the Amish manufacturers do deliver, as well. 

Basista will also deliver furniture and pick up old furniture. What do they do with old furniture? Take it to Cleveland’s Furniture Bank. The Basistas donate old furniture to the Furniture Bank as well as other charities.  

Mayor DeGeeter presented the Basista brothers with a Proclamation honoring them for their services in their business as well as their work with the City of Parma. “Basista is one of the cornerstones of Parma’s small business community,” he said. “This place is the ultimate customer-oriented business. I’m proud their business calls Parma home.” 

Both Stan Jr. and Tom say they will continue serving the citizens of Parma and beyond until the day their predecessors take over.