Shelf Shop was founded in 1972 in New York City by Allan Tillis and his wife Bea as a distributor of Omni tension pole systems. These shelving systems were based on the original tension pole design created by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1950's.Nelson is one of modern design's great names: his work is found in museums and reproductions of his designs are still made. Many people are familiar with his slat bench, marshmallow sofa and ball clock, and his influence is still a strong presence in modern design.

Al, Bea and their staff sold these shelf systems to the public and through many of the major department stores before switching their focus to the public only in the mid 1970's. Soon after, Bob Lawton joined them as a partner in the business, overseeing the custom cabinet work that continues to this day.

Al passed away unexpectedly in the early 1980's, but Bea stayed on until her retirement in 1990. Ever since, Bob has been running the New York shelving business largely on his own, though he has had some help from his daughter Hilary over the past 5 years or so.

While Omni stopped making tension pole systems in the 1980's, the Shelf Shop business continues largely unchanged with the Rakks tension pole system as well as many different types of wall mounted shelving. Many customers who originally bought Omni systems back in the early days of the Shelf Shop still come back for additional pieces because they have continued to use their systems all these years and we have been able to adapt many of the Rakks parts to it.

The staff at the Shelf Shop truly feel that the tension pole system is the best means of installing shelving: it is the strongest, most versatile, and, arguably, the most attractive shelving in existence. We hope you think so too!