Retailer Gillies of Broughty Ferry has acquired Grampian Furnishers.
Grampian Furnishers, based in a purpose-built 30,000 sqft store in Elgin, was founded by the Clark family in 1975, and has now been bought by one of Scotland’s oldest furniture and furnishings businesses, which dates back to 1895.
Gillies says trading will continue as normal at Grampian Furnishers, with all employees remaining with the company as Gillies takes over the running of the business from today (Wednesday 1st June).
Gillies will add new product lines, introduce key new accounts including key brand names, update in-store displays, enhance the logistics network and implement its Microsoft-based customised computer system.
Gillies is known for its substantial stockholding, held in a central distribution hub in Dundee, which Grampian Furnishers will now be able to access, offering customers express delivery on a wide range of products.
Gillies, founded by James Gillies in Dundee, recently celebrated its 125th year, and currently trades from retail stores in Aberdeen, Broughty Ferry (Dundee), Inverness, Perth, and two clearance outlets in Dingwall and Montrose. The stores are serviced by three distribution centres and a fleet of over 35 delivery vehicles.
Ownership of Gillies remains with the fourth- and fifth-generation family members of the founder, and this acquisition will take employee numbers close to 200.
The Elgin store will continue to be branded as Grampian Furnishers.
Ian Philp, MD of Gillies, says: “We’re delighted to have completed the purchase of Grampian Furnishers in Elgin, and I would like to thank Royce Clark, his family, and the staff of Grampian Furnishers, for their support during the process.
"The state-of-the art showroom, highly regarded reputation and location of Grampian Furnishers was very appealing to the board of Gillies, and will allow us to expand the reach of our exciting range of home furnishings throughout the area of Moray and beyond.
"Business will continue as usual at Grampian Furnishers, and we are delighted to welcome their staff and customers as we continue to provide excellent service, innovation and value for money.”
Royce Clark, MD and former owner of Grampian Furnishers, says: “It has been without question the most difficult decision of my life, but our long-established family business being taken over by the Philp family and the Gillies brand is a perfect fit.
"In my opinion the acquisition now creates the best complete furnishings offering across Scotland, while giving the Grampian Furnishers team enhanced job security and offering our customers a wider range of products.”
