• Swindon & Wiltshire Retail
• Wednesday February 19 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Boxing clever: Chippenham furniture retailer looks to US for growth

Chippenham furniture retailer Furniturebox is looking to the US for growth amid challenging conditions in the domestic market caused by ‘persistent cost of living concerns’.

The retailer announced a return to profit this week, following a £1,030,530 loss the previous year due to the £3 million investment in its new warehouse headquarters next to the M4.

Sales for the year surged by 20 per cent from £21,333,813 in 2023 to £25,617,335 for the 2023-24 financial year, leading to a profit of £612,000 against a loss of over £1 million the year prior.

Turn-over in the United States almost tripled to £6 million – with more than 100 products launched and reach expanded through Amazon US, while European sales outside the UK doubled.

But co-owners Monty George and Dan Beckles, both aged 27, said the domestic market was being hit by ‘persistent cost of living concerns’.

“We are delighted to have returned to profit with a big jump in sales in what has been a really tough market for everyone in the interiors market,” said Monty George.

“Our first loss the previous year was due to the major investment in our new warehouse headquarters which has brought huge efficiency savings and allows us to deliver more quickly than our competitors.

“This was part of a long-term strategy which is really paying dividends with a strong new management team in place, all committed to sustainable growth here and in the US and throughout the rest of Europe.”

More than 90 new products were launched and costs were managed with technology advancements including adopting AI-driven tools.

The move to the new 88,000 sq metre warehouse HQ next to the M4 at Indurent Park near Chippenham has now ‘fully stabilised’ and ‘incremental efficiency improvements are being implemented continuously,’ said the firm.

The investment in a state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution centre means Furniturebox can deliver for free throughout the UK the next day on most orders placed 8pm the previous night – among the very fastest delivery times online and a match for global brands with their own delivery teams.

Furniturebox – which sells premium contemporary furniture – was founded by former school friends George and Beckles ten years ago and is already a rival to Dunelm, Habitat and Ikea as one of the UK’s leading furniture brands.