Flanagan's
History and marketing policy:
Flanagans Furniture Ltd is a 3rd generation
furniture business originating from Derry in Northern Ireland about 1946.
Flanagans’ market policy is built upon a somewhat quirky respect for their
customers’ taste and intelligence. Brian, who began the business in the mid
70’s, likes to raise eyebrows by asseverating that he puts the furniture
even before the customer! He believes that as far as antiques are concerned
both he, his craftsmen and his customers, are but trustees for future
generations. And as for new furniture it is not the trimmings that count so
much as the right furniture at the right price.
Brian's father, Jim, had always taught him to love the beautiful. So he came
up with a vision to start a business to produce modern designs utilizing old
craft skills.
But starting as he did with little more than an idea the age-old problems of
business soon made their presence felt. He struggled through the 70’s and
80’s to build and retain a team of cabinetmakers, polishers and
upholsterers. Manufacturing became well nigh impossible. Restoration work
continued and he steered the project firmly into the antiques market.
Their watchword for survival? A very wide range of product – both old and
new. We try never to say ‘No’. But the core answer is in fact that we do put
the furniture first. We have accepted furniture sold by us 30 years ago in
the 70’s and 80’s in part exchange. ‘Waste not want not.’ And we still allow
customers to try things out in their own homes. In other words we enter
typically upon a long-term ‘furniture conversation’ with folk. We become
their ‘furniture friends’. These conversations have to span both lean times
and good times. At all times it is about getting the furniture right.
And if you don’t credit this, just ask yourself: are you not at this very
moment engaged in one? Have you and we not started a furniture conversation?
We look forward to meeting you.