What our CEO has to say about our new store…
Michael Ryan, CEO
Read on to find out what Michael has to say about the new Furniture Now! store in Hailsham. Opening on Monday 14 March 2022.
What does the new store mean specfically for Furniture Now! and the Now! organisation as a whole?
“This project marks a new chapter for Furniture Now and is a property which embraces the vision for how we wish our offering to be viewed – a central location, easily accessible, with a wide range of low cost, high-quality furniture and electricals.
Coinciding with this project, we are launching our Sustainable Communities Grant fund. This is a new addition which shall utilise profits generated by Furniture Now and redistribute these monies via grants to support valuable local projects.
The progress of Now! as an organisation has been mapped over the past 4 years, and we are achieving the simple and effective operating structure we have strove for. The greater Furniture Now performs in its services, the more we can reinvest back into our communities for the benefit of local people and increase our social value.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“Opening, celebrating this success, and then moving onto the next project. As someone with a passion for history, to breathe new life into a listed building with such an interesting past brings great personal satisfaction. Hailsham is a great opportunity for the team, and I have every belief we shall oversee a roaring trade and provide an excellent service to Wealden residents.
But, in truth, my mind is already preoccupied with where, when and what our next Furniture Now project shall entail. As a big sporting enthusiast, I tend not to dwell on the goal scored 5 minutes ago but how we are going to score another in 5 minutes time.”
What are you hoping the new store brings to its customers and the local area?
“Hailsham is a fast-developing area of East Sussex – both in opportunity, demographic, and population size. Whilst we have held a presence in the town for many years, it has been a small offering, restricted by the size of our current unit. The move shall allow for a full range of Furniture Now products to be showcased, as well as increasing employment opportunities for local people via an increased staffing team.”
How excited are the Furniture Now! team to have a new store?
“I think our Hailsham store manager has been on-site more than our refurbishment contractors have been! On a serious note, I am delighted that the Hailsham team have been given the opportunity to work with such an exciting property. It is credit to Roy and his team that our growth across the Wealden area requires an expansion in our operations, hence the need to pursue this project is as a result of Roy’s great work.”
How important was it to use local suppliers for the refurbishment works?
“Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy. There was no better way to celebrate an excellent addition to Hailsham’s town centre than by utilising contractors who are established in the community with us. The progression made at the site is a celebration of all things great about Hailsham, we are proud to not only provide value post-launch but in adding to the local economy pre-launch as well.”
What 3 words are you hoping customers will say when they visit the new store?
“I’ll be back” (less terminator, more happy customers)