Almost 20 years after collapsing into administration a beloved retail chain is making a shock comeback.
MFI is about to make its grand return to the UK after falling into administration in 2008 following the worldwide monetary disaster. The retail enterprise was initially based in 1964 as Mullard Furnishings Industries by Noel Lister and Donald Searle.
At one level the retail large had greater than 200 shops throughout the UK and delivered greater than 50 million objects a 12 months earlier than the introduction of Ikea to the realm.
As soon as one of many largest suppliers of kitchens and bed room furnishings within the nation, MFI was “quietly obtained” by Victorian Plumbing in Could 2024 earlier than its reinvention of the model to return in late 2026, in keeping with a report from That is Cash.
“I’m very excited concerning the upcoming re-invention of MFI, permitting us to faucet in to extra of the £20billion UK homewares market,” founder and chief government Mark Radcliffe stated in an announcement.
“Our devoted and bold staff, many years of e-commerce data and best-in-class proprietary software program, along with the recognizable MFI model, will assist to ship our strategic ambition over the medium-term.”
The MFI model was initially bought by Victoria Plum after it fell into administration and was relaunched as a web based solely retailer November 2011, however lasted lower than 4 years earlier than it ceased operation once more in July 2015.
“Having invested considerably in getting ready the enterprise for future progress final 12 months, I’m happy with the group’s strategic progress within the first half,” Radcliffe added in a forecast for the brand new enterprise.
“We’re totally operational in our new objective constructed warehouse and have continued to enhance our buyer proposition, whereas increasing product vary into different rooms throughout the dwelling and taking vital market share beneficial properties in a subdued buying and selling backdrop.”
Associated: Beloved Craft Brewery Abruptly Closes