Founded in 1912, furniture retailer Star Furniture operates twelve stores in Texas (nine in Houston and one each in Austin, Bryan and San Antonio). In addition to home furniture, Star sells bedding, rugs, draperies and more. It is the dominant retailer in the upper middle class segment of the home furnishings market in Texas. In 1997 Star Furniture was bought by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Today Star, together with its sister stores within the Berkshire group, is ranked among the five largest furniture companies in North America. It has been recognized by International Home Furnishings Association as an outstanding multi-store retailer. The company is known within the industry as a leader in quality control and customer service.