Desert Island Stores: Furniturebox
Monty George and Dan Beckles are co-founders and co-owners of Furniturebox the online furniture store which they started aged 17 straight after studying for their ‘A’ levels. The company now has revenues of over £26 million and employs 80 people across operations in the UK and US.
By Glynn Davis
The store you remember from childhood?
Dan: Woolworths! Remembering this place brings up some nostalgia. A shop that sold a bit of everything. I remember the pick & mix, as well as scouring the aisles for fun things to add to (then shortly be removed from) my parents’ basket.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Monty: Inexcess. It’s a local overstock store with locations across the South West, where there was always a bargain.
Most inspirational store to your career?
Dan: eBay. Our business started on eBay and without it we wouldn’t have been able to build the company we have today. It gave us a route into e-commerce and a platform for growth.
Monty: Poundland. I loved browsing all their aisles of home goods and accessories, and appreciated how they cater to everyone with a budget-accessible approach. It instilled that idea for me that everyone should have nice things in their home regardless of budget .
Most frequently used store?
Dan: Amazon – It’s hassle-free and simple, so it’s a staple for any last-minute purchases. The customer journey from start to finish is so important.
Monty: I’m quite into my health and fitness, so I think High 5 is most visited by me, for sport nutrition.
The store you wished you’d created?
Dan: Wayfair. They have a great model with a vast selection of products. In the furniture industry I feel they’ve really nailed it.
Monty: Ikea. Their whole store design is an experience not just a shop. The way their physical stores lead customers on a journey that really helps them visualise a home with these products is excellent.
Your overall favourite store?
Dan: Any sort of farm shop. I’m a big foodie, so love to be able to shop fresh, local produce. A trip to a farm shop is a decent day out.
Monty: Like Dan, I think I’d say any deli or local bakery. You really can’t go wrong with some quality local foods and it’s nice to support local businesses, too.
The store you’d like to take to the desert island?
Dan: Tesco – they have everything, so I’d be able to survive for years to come. Monty: The Range. You can get everything there.
