Jones the Furnishers, an independent furniture shop on Kettering Road in Northampton, will close its doors at the end of August, ending a 90-year trading history. The business was founded in 1935 and had served generations of customers, offering chairs, beds, and dining furniture from manufacturers including Vi-Spring, Parker Knoll, and G Plan.
Closure Details and Timeline
The store temporarily closed on June 20 to prepare for a clearance sale and reopened on June 24, allowing customers to purchase remaining stock. The closure marks what store manager Ian Lumbers described as the “end of an era.” Lumbers, who has worked at the shop for 21 years, thanked customers for their support in a Facebook post.
Reasons for Closure
The furnishers attributed the decision to changing market conditions, rising costs, and the evolving retail environment. According to the Northampton Chronicle, the company is in advanced negotiations to sell the landmark property.
Alan Evans, managing director of Jones the Furnishers, said: “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of Jones the Furnishers. We are incredibly proud of what has been built over the past 90 years and grateful to the generations of customers, employees and suppliers who have supported us throughout this time.”
Lumbers added: “We would like to thank everyone who has been part of the Jones the Furnishers story. The loyalty and support we have received over the years has been truly remarkable.”
Broader High Street Trends
The closure reflects ongoing challenges facing the UK high street, with many retailers citing increased online shopping and rising costs. Only this week, Leekes, a family furniture business founded in 1897, confirmed it will close its store in Bilston, Wolverhampton, on Sunday, August 2. Several major chains, including Quiz, WHSmith, New Look, and numerous banks, have also reduced their high street presence in recent years.
