Two brothers from Churchdown, Gloucester, have achieved remarkable success with their furniture business, Abode, which began as a venture selling second-hand sofas. Will Johns, 25, and Isaac Johns, 23, launched their enterprise in 2021, and it has rapidly expanded to include a showroom and warehouse with a team of ten employees at a city retail park.
Photo: Google Maps.
The business idea took root during the pandemic when their father's marquee company had idle vans. Utilising these vehicles, the brothers started buying and selling used sofas. Gradually, they shifted focus to handling returns and clearance stock from major retailers. Their next step involved renting a warehouse to import furniture from global manufacturers supplying UK high street retailers.
Abode, now situated on Eastern Avenue, boasts the largest sofa showroom in Gloucester, covering 20,000 square feet across two floors. Will described the showroom's range: 'We specialise in recliner sofas but also offer non-reclining models, as well as beds and dining furniture.'
The business's growth has been meteoric. In just over a year, the brothers progressed from running operations from their father's van to opening the expansive showroom on Boxing Day 2024. The strategic location in Gloucester has been instrumental, providing easy access for customers from across Gloucestershire.
Abode's competitive edge lies in its swift delivery times and affordability. Will explained, 'We deliver nationwide, often within seven days, while many competitors take eight to 12 weeks. Customers also appreciate the value for money, whether they choose budget or premium models.' Their online sales have been as successful as their in-store business, with approximately 100 deliveries per week reaching destinations as far as Scotland and Bristol.
Reflecting on their success, Will said, 'We've had a record-breaking sales month in December, and the response to the showroom has been fantastic. Customers are drawn by the quality, price, and speed of delivery.'
The brothers are ambitious about the future, with plans to enhance their online presence and potentially open additional stores beyond Gloucester. They are also looking to expand their team, seeking individuals passionate about furniture retail to join their growing enterprise.
The story of Abode highlights the determination and ingenuity of two young entrepreneurs who turned a pandemic-induced opportunity into a thriving business, setting a benchmark for efficiency and value in the furniture industry.
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com