Edelstein’s History

In 1906, a young Lithuanian immigrant named Morris Edelstein arrived in the Rio Grande Valley. He was eager to start a business and did so by going directly to the community door to door peddling a variety of wares in Brownsville. He was the first merchant in the area to offer, “time payment plans” on a variety of merchandise he sold, including buggies, Studebaker wagons, and furniture. Operations steadily increased and in 1925 he opened branch stores in Harlingen and McAllen. Within five years he operated thirteen retail stores that spanned from Eagle Pass to Brownsville, including Matamoros and Piedras Negras, Mexico.

Morris’ son Ruben took over the reins of the family business in 1946.while expanding the furniture stores, Ruben also pursued a career of civic involvement. At age 87, Ruben continues to be active in Edelstein’s business as is his brother Ben.

On January 25, 2008. The Edelstein family is pleased to announce the acquisition of Edelstein’s Better Furniture by Famsa Inc.

Famsa, Inc. brings to the Valley a very special understanding of the Hispanic retail market, and represents the first and only Mexican owned retailer operating the United States. Grupo Famsa currently operates 350 retail locations throughout Mexico, and will operate 47 retail locations throughout the United States with the acquisition of Edelstein’s Better furniture locations in the Valley.

Beginning February 1, 2008. Morris Edelstein will join the Famsa team to serve as District Manager for the Famsa Valley stores. This new partnership promises to provide for new growth in the valley market. As a third-generation family-owned business with nearly 100 years of experience, Edelstein’s is still setting retail standards, while offering a wide assortment of merchandise, competitive prices, convenient-in-store financing and, most importantly, old-fashioned, personalized customer service. We invite the Valley to help us welcome Famsa to our community.