A West Midlands furniture group has announced an expansion into Redditch.
In a deal agreed by property agents John Truslove, Whartons, which has stores in Shirley and Leamington Spa, has acquired a 7,014 sq ft unit at 15 Palmers Road as a warehouse and despatch depot.
Representing a six-figure investment, it is nearly double the size of the family firm’s former base in Olton.
The move will also allow new ventures.
A clearance furniture facility is in its infancy and the business is considering launching an online sales operation.
Craig Wharton, director, said: “We chose Redditch for its convenience, value for money and easy access to the motorway network.
“We were close to outgrowing Olton and the nature of the location meant we more or less had to transport our furniture through the centre of Solihull which wasn’t ideal.”
Whartons sells a broad mix for the home including dining and bedroom furniture, upholstery and beds.
But it specialises in products that customers “wouldn’t see in their neighbour’s home”.
He commented: “We focus on buying from smaller UK manufacturers wherever we can, who are prepared to create furniture that has the look and feel that separates Whartons from the crowd. And because we are not a huge conglomerate, we can do what we like. And we do just that! There’s no big group buying for 20 stores, that’s why we sell furniture that’s different.”
Ian Parker, a director of John Truslove, said: “Whartons is well known for its high standards, customer care and quality yet affordable products.
“It is great to see such a long-established company continuing to thrive and grow and choosing Redditch as its new home.”
Whartons was founded in 1970, started out buying and selling antiques, diversified into pine furniture retailing and around the turn of the century began focusing more on furniture produced from hardwoods and leather.
