HOME EDITION
ROOTED IN THE AREA Glasswells has long been a recognisable name in East Anglia. Angelina Villa-Clarke discovers just why this collection of homeware stores is so popular
F rom beds to bedding, dining disappoint. The family-run company, which was founded back in 1946, boasts stores in Bury St Edmunds, Saffron Walden, Ipswich and Haverhill. The business is firmly rooted in East Anglia – it employs 280 people locally, many of whom have worked for the company for 20 years or more. “From our first shop on Brentgovel Street, Bury St Edmunds, we’ve grown to become East Anglia’s largest family-run tables to designer chairs, if you want to refresh your home, then a visit to a Glasswells shop will not been to provide outstanding customer service. This is coupled with offering quality furniture at the very best value, so there is something for everyone.” As well as finding a vast range of furniture and accessories for the home and garden, Glasswells customers can tap into services such as made-to-measure curtains and carpet fitting. While many other brick- and-mortar stores are floundering up and down the UK’s high streets, Glasswells is going against the grain. The secret, Paul says, is keeping the shopping experience fresh – so customers can discover furniture store,” enthuses Glasswells managing director, Paul Glasswell. “The Glasswells philosophy has always
TRICKS OF THE TRADE The Glasswells franchise has proved greatly popular in its 77 years
something new each time – and making each store a destination in its own right. “We regularly reinvest into our business with refurbishments, to create modern showrooms for our customers to enjoy. We employ in-house designers who create inspiring room sets to showcase the latest trends,” explains Paul. “Our showrooms in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich display a massive choice of furniture, with over 200 sofa collections, more than 80 dining collections, over 50 bedroom ranges and 100 luxury beds, including from Tempur, Harrison Spinks and Hypnos. We offer a vast range of kitchenware, over 10,000 flooring options and have access to thousands of fabric swatches for curtains and blinds. Customers can find everything they need for their home, all under the one roof.” Free parking and electric charging points mean that customers can browse without rushing. What’s more, The Place to Eat – the in-house restaurant found within the Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich showrooms – offers customers the chance to enjoy a delicious lunch or take a pit stop with coffee and a slice of homemade cake. For those who find it difficult to visit Glasswells in person, the company’s website means that no one is left out, with the brand reaching customers outside the local area. “We can showcase our extensive product range online. What’s more, our efficient delivery and live-chat systems
mean we can still provide the customer service we are known for,” adds Paul. Keeping up with the latest trends is important for any company, and Glasswells prides itself on staying ahead of the curve. “At the moment, there is a demand for multipurpose furniture,” reveals Paul. “Nolte Möbel, a semi-fitted furniture brand, is a great choice for this. It offers innovative storage solutions with chic designs that maximise space within the home.” He continues: “We’ve also seen lots of interest in adjustable electric beds. Giving the ability to have split mattresses, with controls for each side, they can be modified to suit the needs of each individual. At our Sleep Lab, our experts can advise on a variety of styles, which customers can try before purchasing.” The secret to Glasswells’ success? As well as reinvesting profits into the business and allowing it to grow, it has built personal relationships with its clientele, many of whom have become regular customers. It offers big-name brands, but has also compiled value-for-money products under the ‘Glasswells Collections’ label. Furthermore, it has long worked with local charities to give back to communities on the doorstep. As a consequence, Glasswells has become a household name in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and beyond.
glasswells.co.uk
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK AUGUST 2023 81
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