At a time when retailers face relentless pressure from changing consumer expectations, rising competition and increased costs, Staingard – which is celebrating its 20th anniversary – believes aftercare has become far more than an optional extra, and is now a key component of customer experience, loyalty and long-term value …
“This year marks a significant milestone for us at Staingard, as we celebrate 20 years in the furniture aftercare sector,” says the service provider.
“We began with a simple but ambitious goal – to raise standards in furniture protection and aftercare. And what started as a family-run business focused on care plans and retailer support has grown into the industry's most recognised specialist, built on strong partnerships, exceptional customer service, and continuous innovation.”
When the business was founded 20 years ago, furniture aftercare was often viewed as a secondary consideration, says Staingard, but today’s consumers expect more: “They want reassurance, transparency and practical solutions that help protect their investment and extend the life of their furniture. As purchasing decisions become more considered, care plans and maintenance products have become increasingly important in delivering confidence and peace of mind.
“Rather than treating aftercare as an add-on, we positioned care and protection as an essential extension of the customer journey. By helping retailers improve customer confidence, reduce concerns and strengthen loyalty, we established ourselves as a trusted partner in an evolving marketplace.
“While the furniture industry has undergone significant change, we have continued to invest in product development, retailer support and more sustainable solutions. Innovations such as branded care kits, environmentally conscious products and expanded mattress protection offerings have enabled us to respond to emerging consumer needs while supporting retailers in differentiating themselves beyond price alone.
“Partnership has played a crucial role in our journey, as modern retailers increasingly seek aftercare providers that can offer more than products – including training, claims management, customer service and operational support. Our collaborative approach has helped strengthen long-term relationships across the sector and supported our expansion into complementary businesses, including automotive care through Gliptone and fulfilment services through WeFill.”
Among the supplier’s latest developments is Protect6, a furniture Care Plan designed to offer greater flexibility, transparency and value for both retailers and consumers.
“This initiative reflects a broader industry trend,” says Staingard. “Care plans are no longer simply transactional products, but strategic tools for customer engagement and retention.
“Yet, despite our growth, we remain rooted in the family-business values that shaped our foundation. We continue to place people at the heart of everything we do, recognising the contribution of our employees, retail partners, manufacturers and customers who have supported our journey over the past two decades.
“As the sector looks ahead, we believe the importance of aftercare will only continue to increase. Sustainability, product longevity and customer reassurance will remain key influences on purchasing decisions. For us, the challenge – and opportunity – is to balance innovation with the trusted, personal approach that has defined our business from the beginning.
“Twenty years on, our mission remains unchanged – helping retailers succeed, while enabling consumers to protect what matters most.”
Visit Staingard’s website or call 01244 888658 to learn more about how its comprehensive furniture care plans and products can enhance both customer experience and margins.
