Bristol Business of the Week is Park Furnishers
Posted on: 13 Jul 2015Our Bristol Business of the Week goes to Park Furnishers who are a third generation, family run, independent furniture store in Bristol. We caught up with marketing manager Paul Marshall to find out more…
Park Furnishers is located at Willway Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4AZ.
Tel: 0117 9449012
Email: info@parkfurnishers.co.uk
Or connect with Park Furnishers on Facebook and Twitter.
When was Park Furnishers established and can you give us a brief history?
Park Furnishers was formed in 1967 by Len Coller and a brief history can be found here.
Are you from Bristol?
I'm from Frome originally, but I've lived in Bristol now for nearly 30 years
How's business?
Business at the moment is really good. The recession hit the furniture trade really hard, but this year we have seen significant improvement. This is partly due to the new and exciting ranges of furniture that has recently arrived. We recognise that there is still a place for traditional furniture and we still cater for that market, but today's savvy customer wants a lot more. They want furniture that is practical, comfortable, stylish and has a 'wow' factor. For the last couple of years Park Furnishers has been introducing more and more ranges that spark the imagination and can create a unique designer look in any home.
Tell us about your business?
Park Furnishers is the largest furniture retailer in Bristol. Occupying a space of 110,000 square feet it's about four times as big as a typical furniture store found on an out of town retail park. At any time there are on display around: 300 sofas, 100 dining sets, 100 different beds, 2500 carpets,bedrooms, fitted kitchens, a cook shop and much more. As well as the large diverse choice and a price promise that guarantees that we'll not be beaten on price, there are plenty of other amenities to ensure the shopping experience is a pleasant one. There is a large free car park with space for 100 cars, a coffee lounge serving free tea and coffee, a children's play area and excellent disabled facilities including free wheelchair loan. Park Furnishers prides itself on high standards of customer service and tries to treat all customers as if they are part of the extended family. The atmosphere is very relaxed and customers are encouraged to browse without being continually pestered by an over-enthusiastic sales person. That's not to say that our customers are ignored, far from it. Our sales team are always on hand to advise and to help our customers make a considered purchase.
How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
Running an independent store in Bristol has its challenges especially when competing with big national chains with massive advertising budgets. The biggest challenge is getting people to come through the door for the first time. Once they discover us and experience what we have to offer, we see them again and again. Our customer database is now in excess of 40,000 loyal and dedicated customers, many of whom tell us how much they 'love' us and for that we are extremely grateful.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
I hate to eat out in big restaurant chains. In Bristol we are so lucky to have such a diverse range of smaller independent restaurants and pubs serving really good food at reasonable prices. I adore Casa Mexicana on Zetland Road, but my new favourite is Mezzaluna on West Street, Bedminster. The staff there are brilliant and the food is excellent.
What's your favourite place in Bristol?
My favourite place in Bristol is Victoria Park. This massive green space, close to the centre of town is a relaxing haven that changes constantly with the seasons. It's where I go to escape, exercise and enjoy wonderful panoramic views across the city.
Where do you see Park Furnishers in 5 years time?
Park Furnishers is continually evolving and reinventing itself to meet the needs and demands of its customers. The store is a completely different place today to what it was even two years ago. I see this evolution continuing and in five years' time the likelihood is that Park Furnishers will be very different to how it is today. It's one of the most exciting things about being an independent store. We can change what we do very quickly to stay fresh, vibrant and relevant so that when it comes to buying furniture, there is really only one place customers want to be. And who knows, in five years' time, there may even be other Park Furnishers dotted around the place.
What additional help should be given to independent businesses in Bristol?
Lower business rates would help as would be the ability to signpost the store. Park Furnishers is tucked away off the beaten track and, despite customers asking us to improve signage to the store, we can't due to local legislation.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
If I were Mayor of Bristol for the day I would take another look at Residential Parking Schemes and the impact on businesses. Despite being on a Business Park with no residential housing, Park Furnishers is still part of an RPZ with all the restrictions that go with it, This I find ludicrous and can only be detrimental to ourselves and the surrounding businesses.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
