A HUSBAND and wife team behind a furniture shop in Salisbury are celebrating 30 years of providing high-quality furniture to customers.

A World of Furniture has stores in both Salisbury at the Wyndham Centre and Blandford Forum at Holland Way in Dorset.

The duo Mark and Lucy opened their first store in February 1995 specialising in pine furniture – the furniture of choice during the late 80s and 90s.

From those early years, their initial business concept continued to grow and evolve as Mark explained.

“We had come from very varied professional backgrounds, but we identified a particular need for a pine furniture superstore in south Wiltshire and beyond,” he said.

Over time, the business grew to multiple stores across south Wiltshire and even more offerings.

When Pine furniture sales began to dwindle, that’s when the business became A World of Furniture in 2006, and its portfolio expanded to include beds, mattresses, sofas, oak and painted furniture, and much more.

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Now celebrating 30 years in business, A World of Furniture is one of the few surviving independent furniture outlets in south Wiltshire.

We asked Mark what their secret was to their longevity.

Mark said: “Other than our fantastic locations, lovely customers and superb furniture, our staff are the reason why the business continues to flourish.”

Lucy and Mark currently employ over 25 staff, “all of whom are absolutely amazing,” Mark added.

Picture: A World of Furniture

Currently, the two stores boast over thirty thousand square feet of wall-to-wall furniture.

“The stores are supported by a large warehouse, also based in Salisbury and Blandford, which runs five delivery vehicles, sending furniture far and wide,” Mark said.

A World of Furniture stocks many top brands such as: G Plan, Lazboy, Alstons, Sherborne, Silentnight, Sleepeezee and Highgrove.

Mark explained what sets them aside from traditional online retailers.

“The business is famous for its more eclectic styles of furniture. Everyone wants something a little bit different, as well as having a brand they trust and recognise, and we certainly provide that,” he said.

“Our ‘brand’ of furniture retail is ultimately unique. Everyone talks a good story, but ultimately, we have been the most proactive furniture retailer in the area.”

A World of Furniture have made looking after the environment and sustainability one of its top priorities in the last 20 years.

Mark said: “Our business has been very strongly linked to environmental and sustainability projects. The Furniture for Trees scheme, set up in 2004, has funded the planting of over 80,000 trees.

“We’ve since championed Bees, cardboard recycling, and we now run a highly successful outdoor education program under the banner of Countrylore Bushcraft.”

Picture: A World of Furniture

And their efforts have not gone unnoticed, they have been awarded and recognised as a leader in the world of business based environmentalists.

Keeping with this ethos a greater proportion of their furniture is manufactured within the UK.

“The focus on buying home made functional and well made furniture is still very important to Simon, our sales director, and all the team,” Mark said.

“We still source high-quality furniture from Europe and Asia to ensure we remain very competitive. Furniture retail has always been successful where quality and value are met in equal measure.

“All of our sofas and mattresses are made in British factories which honour time old skills and manufacturing techniques.”

The last few years have been tough for most consumer driven businesses.

We asked them how they have dealt with the recent challenges outside of their control.

Mark said: “The aftermath of Covid, failings in successive governments and a lack of consumer confidence are constant challenges.

“But in true Churchillian style, the business and our culture continue to develop and evolve. Remaining positive is at the heart of all we do.

“Whether it’s me, Lucy or Simon making decisions to keep the business strong or just keeping our customers and staff happy, it’s important to remain resilient and optimistic.”

We were curious to know how they both managed to have a growing young family and continue to develop the business together.

Picture: A World of Furniture

Mark said: “Thankfully, our business is well and truly a family business. Lucy has dedicated herself to the home, three daughters and the business.

“Her constant input, advice and influence have helped the business to progress to thrive.”

When asked how Mark’s role changed over the past 30 years, he said: “My personal commitment to the business has reduced, slightly. At 60 I try to find more time for my family, Lucy and our numerous outdoor commitments.

“Generally, I’m in the stores during the week, but I leave my faithful team to look after our weekend trade.”

He added: “Back some thirty years ago, Lucy and I would work an 80 hour week, with no annual holiday or leave. We genuinely felt like we were building for the future, and it needed our full commitment; we took no holidays, no flashy cars, no big loans, just the joy of working together.

“Lucy was even working full-time up to the day she gave birth to our first daughter – offloading furniture and all!”

Mark says the business has encountered challenges in 2025, but they have been finding solutions.

“The internet is often what you make of it. It has brought us fantastic marketing opportunities and a website facilitating online purchases; however, we don’t see ourselves as online retailers. We would rather every customer come into the store to discover more!

“It’s so important that we build a relationship with our customers and thoroughly understand their requirements. We are always looking to progress, but the ability to touch, feel, sit or lie on our sofas, beds or furniture is paramount.

“As role models go, both Lucy and I have been inspired by many different people. People who have taught us what a good day’s work is: working smart, caring for others, about humility, and about leaving trouble behind and looking for the best in people.

“As I reflect, it’s very hard to put anyone at the top of the list, but I can remember two stand out pieces of advice: always put on a show and surround yourself with radiators not drains!”

Mark added: “Lucy and I are so thankful for the opportunities and some success. The furniture business and our daughters have shaped our lives. Life is a great leveller; we have faced many hurdles.

“I’m hopeful that with the introduction of more furniture brands and our own brands, 2025 will be an improvement over the previous year.

“2025 and beyond will see us serving up more fantastic furniture and the growth of our mattress collection and recycling service.”