Big Bites

John Lewis appointments

Department store retailer John Lewis has announced the appointment of Charlotta Elgh as its first Director of Design for Home. Nish Kankiwala has been appointed as its new Chief Executive.

Glasswells completes £250k refurbishment

Independent furniture retailer Glasswells has announced the completion of a major refurbishment at its home furnishings showroom in Ipswich. The store has undergone a £250k investment, providing a brighter and more contemporary atmosphere, including upgraded, energy-efficient LED lighting.

Birlea appoints new Sales Director

Castle Donington-based furniture wholesaler Birlea has announced the appointment of Chris Moore as its new Sales & Commercial Director, as well as introducing a new price list to support independent retailers. Chris will be responsible for driving the sales and commercial strategy building on the company reputation for exception products and service. The new pricing structure will see the company reduce its price, on average, 11% across its entire range.

Argos recalls more fire-risk sofas

Catalogue retailer Argos has issued another product recall on a number of sofa and chair products due to further fire risks. Argos has recalled Habitat products under the Eton, Jackson and Isla ranges, which include sofas, chairs and footstools.

The retailer said that it discovered “an important fire safety issue” after routine testing and adds to the previous recall of the Tammy sofas.

Sales up 20% at Lee Longlands

Furniture retailer Lee Longlands has reported a growth in turnover. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 May 2022, total sales rose 20% to £14.4m. Pre-tax profit resulted at £399,000.

Mereway appoints new Finance Director

Kitchen manufacturing specialist Mereway Kitchens has announced the appointment of Victoria Robinson as its new Finance Director. Neil Gore, currently in the position, is returning to Imperial Bathrooms as part of a management buy-out. Neil remains in his position as Finance Director and Board Member at Mereway Kitchens for the next three months, ensuring a smooth transition.

Furnishings retailer to test four-day week

Home furnishings retailer Dunelm has announced it will be trialling a four-day week for staff. Dunelm is testing different four-day working models as part of its hybrid working initiative, which will be across select departments. If successful, the retailer plans to expand the initiative further across the business.

Yorkshire Curry Night raises over £2.5k

The annual Curry Night, organised by the Yorkshire region of The Furniture Makers’ Company, has raised over £2,500, with more than 100 guests enjoying an award-winning curry. The popular event, which is now in its seventh year and a key fixture in the charity’s calendar of regional activity, took place on Thursday 2 March at the award-winning Aagrah Midpoint restaurant in Bradford.

Sterling Furniture Group on new leadership

Family-owned home furnishing specialist Sterling Furniture Group is launching a recruitment drive for a new CEO in its 50th year in business. Gordon Mearns is retiring after 20 years in the hot seat. He steps down as managing director after overseeing the first steps of a major rebranding that will see the majority of its shops trading under the new “Sterling Home” brand, which is already being used on the company’s online store. He will remain in position until the new CEO is appointed.

Dormeo UK sold in pre-pack

The UK arm of mattress brand Dormeo experienced significant cash flow issues following the collapse of one of its major customers ahead of its own administration. Dormeo UK was sold in a pre-pack deal to United T and C Limited for a total sum of £800,000.

Silentnight appoints new CEO

Bed manufacturer Silentnight has announced the appointment of Tracey Bamber as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Tracey succeeds Neil Anderson, who has been in the role since 2019 and will remain with the business until this month to oversee a smooth transition process. Tracey joins from Culligan International.

WoolOvers Group acquires Scotts of Stow

Direct-to-consumer retailer

WoolOvers Group has announced the purchase of the business and assets of Scotts Limited, a privatelyowned mail order and eCommerce business. The addition of Scotts into the WoolOvers Group will secure 150 jobs.