In September, Quality Lounge Suites (QLS), a family-run business specialising in high-end furniture, unveiled its newly refurbished Watford showroom, introducing an expanded home offer and a clearer showcase of its bespoke capabilities. Furniture News asked the retailer’s founder and director Richard Searle, and directors Alex Searle and Dan Roback, for details …
Can you outline the history and structure of QLS?
Richard: QLS was founded over 40 years ago by my father in Watford, with the aim of bringing the best craftsmanship and design to the local community. At the very beginning, it was purely a sofa business – that’s where it all started.
Over the years, the business has grown and evolved with our customers. Today, QLS still offers sofas, but we’ve expanded into much more – bespoke joinery, dining tables, coffee and side tables – and we also manufacture furniture for a number of designers.
The showroom has changed with us, too. What began as a sofa store is now a full lifestyle destination, where clients can discover rugs, lighting, and even scents, giving them everything they need to create complete interiors.
QLS has always been, and continues to be, a family business. I am proud to carry forward my father’s legacy, and today I run the company alongside my son Alex and business partner Dan. Together, we’ve stayed true to the values of quality, service and design expertise, while making sure the business keeps moving forward for the future.
Can you outline the showroom’s ‘vital statistics’?
Alex: Our showroom is at 289 Lower High Street, Watford WD17 2HY, spanning over 6,000 sqft. This allows us to present a broad collection in a curated, premium environment.
Key members of the team include Richard, Dan and myself, supported by our experienced joinery and design staff who work closely with us to support our clients on bespoke interiors.
The location is well positioned, accessible for local clients across Hertfordshire while also attracting shoppers from London and the surrounding counties.
Why was the decision made to refurbish the store?
Richard: After more than four decades, it felt like the right moment to reinvest in the business and refresh the showroom so it reflects how people live and shop today. We’ve always been about craftsmanship and quality, and this update allows us to present that in a modern, inspiring way.
Alex: The decision was also driven by our clients. We were hearing a clear appetite for more choice, more inspiration, and a setting that reflects the full lifestyle experience. The refurbishment lets us expand our offer, from sofas and dining suites to lighting, rugs and accessories, while keeping the service and personal touch QLS is known for, and we wanted to create a design-led environment that feels fresh, modern and welcoming.
Watford has always been our home, and this investment also shows our commitment to the area.
Dan: For us, it was about evolving the space into something more than a furniture showroom. We wanted it to feel like a destination somewhere customers can explore design, discover new ideas, and really see what’s possible with bespoke interiors.
What inspired the design and presentation of the new space?
Dan: The inspiration came from combining contemporary European influences with our own history as a family-run company. Each area is designed to feel like a home setting, so customers can imagine the collections in their own interiors. Lighting and textures play a key role in creating warmth and sophistication.
Read the rest of our interview in November's issue.
Pictured: Richard Searle, Alex Searle and Dan Roback at the grand re-opening
