Nestled in the charming small town of Ceresco, Nebraska, Ernie’s in Ceresco is more than just a furniture store—it’s a family-owned institution with a rich history, a commitment to customer satisfaction, and a unique shopping experience that draws visitors from across the state and beyond. For nearly eight decades, Ernie’s has been a cornerstone of the community, offering an impressive selection of home furnishings, appliances, electronics, and more. Whether you’re furnishing a new home, upgrading your living space, or simply looking for a fun shopping adventure, Ernie’s is a destination worth exploring. In this article, we’ll dive into the story of Ernie’s, what makes it special, and why it’s a must-visit for anyone in Nebraska looking for quality home goods.
The Origins of Ernie’s: A Humble Beginning
Ernie’s in Ceresco began in 1946 when Ernie Swanson, a local entrepreneur with a knack for business, opened a small grocery store in his hometown. Back then, Ceresco was a quiet farming community, and Ernie’s store was a modest operation. But Ernie was no ordinary businessman. He had a vision and a keen sense of what people wanted. In the early days of television, when the new technology was just capturing the public’s imagination, Ernie saw an opportunity. He started selling TVs out of the trunk of his car, parked right in front of his grocery store.
This bold move paid off. As demand for televisions grew, Ernie phased out groceries and expanded into appliances, then furniture, carpet, and electronics. What started as a tiny shop grew into a sprawling retail empire, taking over an entire block of Main Street in Ceresco. Today, Ernie’s is Nebraska’s largest family-owned home furnishings store, boasting over 100,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse space. Despite its growth, Ernie’s has stayed true to its roots, remaining family-owned and deeply connected to the Ceresco community.
A Unique Shopping Experience
Walking into Ernie’s in Ceresco is like stepping into a world of possibilities for your home. The store is massive, with barn-sized rooms filled with everything you need to furnish and decorate your space. From cozy La-Z-Boy recliners to sleek Serta mattresses, Amish-crafted dining sets to modern coffee tables, Ernie’s has it all. The store carries top brands like Ashley, Flexsteel, Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, Whirlpool, Samsung, and Sony, ensuring quality and variety for every taste and budget.
But what sets Ernie’s apart isn’t just its inventory—it’s the atmosphere. The store has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes shopping a pleasure. Visitors are greeted with free popcorn and Pepsi at the snack bar, a nod to Ernie Swanson’s love for popcorn (he used to sell it at Husker football games!). There’s even a sign advertising pickled herring, a quirky tribute to Ernie’s personal tastes. Customers can relax on a wooden bench, munch on snacks, and take their time browsing without feeling rushed by pushy salespeople. Reviews on platforms like Foursquare praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff, with shoppers noting that employees like Ron and Alicia go out of their way to help without being overbearing.
A Family Legacy of Customer Care
Ernie’s is more than a business; it’s a family legacy. Today, the store is run by Dean Swanson, Ernie’s son, and his son Tyler, who serves as the general manager. Both Dean and Tyler grew up in the business, starting in the warehouse and delivery departments before taking on leadership roles. Their hands-on experience gives them a deep understanding of the store’s operations and a genuine passion for serving customers.
The Swanson family’s philosophy is simple: the customer comes first. As Dean puts it, “We try to teach our employees to find out what the customer wants. You’re the boss.” This approach stems from Ernie’s own belief that “the customer wants to be heard.” Whether you’re shopping for a single lamp or furnishing an entire home, the staff at Ernie’s takes the time to listen and help you find exactly what you need. This commitment to personalized service has earned Ernie’s a loyal customer base, with shoppers coming from Lincoln, Omaha, and smaller towns within a 60-mile radius.
What You Can Find at Ernie’s
Ernie’s in Ceresco is a one-stop shop for all things home-related. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
Furniture for Every Room
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Living Room: Couches, loveseats, recliners, and coffee tables in a range of styles, from classic to contemporary. Brands like Bassett and Smith Brothers offer customizable fabric options for a personal touch.
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Bedroom: Mattresses from Sealy, Serta, and Tempur-Pedic, plus bedroom sets, dressers, and nightstands.
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Dining Room: Amish-crafted dining tables and chairs, perfect for family gatherings or elegant dinner parties.
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Home Office: Desks, chairs, and storage solutions for a productive workspace.
Appliances and Electronics
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Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves from trusted brands like Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung.
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Laundry: Washers and dryers designed for efficiency and durability.
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Electronics: Flat-screen TVs, home theater systems, and audio equipment from Sony and other leading brands.
Flooring and Window Treatments
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Flooring: Carpet, hardwood, tile, and vinyl options from brands like Karastan and LEES.
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Window Treatments: Hunter Douglas blinds and custom window coverings to add style and privacy to your home.
Specialty Products
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Water Systems: Kinetico water softeners and drinking water systems for cleaner, safer water.
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Outdoor: Gas grills and patio furniture for your backyard oasis.
With such a wide selection, Ernie’s caters to homeowners, renters, and even businesses looking to furnish offices or rental properties. The store’s massive warehouse ensures that many items are in stock and ready for delivery, so you can take your purchases home sooner.
Expanding to Lincoln: Ernie’s Mattress 1st
While Ernie’s has resisted the urge to relocate to a big city, it has made a strategic move to bring its products closer to its largest customer base. In 2023, Ernie’s opened Ernie’s Mattress 1st, a specialty mattress store in Lincoln’s Wilderness Hills shopping center at 30th Street and Yankee Hill Road. This location, in the 68516 zip code, is perfectly positioned to serve Lincoln residents, who make up the majority of Ernie’s customers.
Ernie’s Mattress 1st focuses on mattresses as a convenience product, offering a curated selection of top brands in a smaller, more accessible setting. Tyler Swanson explained that mattresses are a specialty item, and customers often want a quick, focused shopping experience rather than navigating a large furniture store. The Lincoln store has been a success, and there are plans to potentially expand to Omaha or other parts of Lincoln if demand continues to grow.
Ernie’s During Challenging Times
Ernie’s commitment to its customers shone through during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the store adapted quickly to ensure the safety of its staff and shoppers while continuing to provide essential products like refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, and mattresses. Operating with a limited staff, Ernie’s prioritized health guidelines and maintained its role as a vital resource for the community. This dedication to service, even in difficult times, underscores why Ernie’s has remained a trusted name for generations.
Why Shop at Ernie’s?
There are countless reasons to choose Ernie’s in Ceresco for your home furnishing needs. Here are just a few:
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Unbeatable Selection: With over 100,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse space, Ernie’s offers more choices than most big-box stores.
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Quality Brands: From La-Z-Boy to Samsung, Ernie’s carries trusted names you can rely on.
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Family-Owned Values: The Swanson family’s hands-on approach ensures a personal touch you won’t find at chain retailers.
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Affordable Prices: Located just 10 minutes north of Lincoln and 40 minutes southwest of Omaha, Ernie’s offers competitive pricing that saves you money.
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Fun Atmosphere: Free snacks, a relaxed vibe, and friendly staff make shopping at Ernie’s an enjoyable experience.
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Community Roots: By shopping at Ernie’s, you’re supporting a local business that’s been part of Ceresco for nearly 80 years.
Tips for Visiting Ernie’s
Ready to check out Ernie’s in Ceresco for yourself? Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
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Plan for Time to Browse: The store is huge, so give yourself a few hours to explore all the showrooms and find what you love.
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Bring Measurements: If you’re shopping for furniture or appliances, bring measurements of your space to ensure a perfect fit.
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Ask for Help: The staff is there to assist, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or product details.
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Enjoy the Snacks: Grab some free popcorn or a Pepsi to fuel your shopping adventure.
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Check for Deals: Ernie’s often has sales and promotions, so ask about current offers to save even more.
The Future of Ernie’s
As Ernie’s approaches its 80th anniversary, the future looks bright. The Swanson family is committed to preserving the store’s legacy while adapting to changing customer needs. The success of Ernie’s Mattress 1st in Lincoln shows their willingness to innovate, and there’s potential for further expansion in the years to come. Yet, no matter how much Ernie’s grows, it remains anchored in Ceresco, a testament to its small-town roots and the vision of Ernie Swanson.
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Ernie’s in Ceresco is more than a furniture store—it’s a destination, a piece of Nebraska history, and a shining example of what a family-owned business can achieve. Whether you’re hunting for a new sofa, a state-of-the-art refrigerator, or a cozy mattress, Ernie’s has you covered with quality products, friendly service, and a shopping experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind. So, next time you’re in the mood for a road trip, head to Ceresco and discover the magic of Ernie’s for yourself. You might just find the perfect piece for your home—and a few extra handfuls of popcorn to enjoy along the way.
