MFI Retail Chain Back After Collapsing Nearly 20 Years Ago
Nearly 20 years after collapsing into administration a beloved retail chain is making a surprise comeback.
MFI is set to make its grand return to the United Kingdom after falling into administration in 2008 following the global financial crisis. The retail business was originally founded in 1964 as Mullard Furniture Industries by Noel Lister and Donald Searle.
At one point the retail giant had more than 200 stores across the UK and delivered more than 50 million items a year before the introduction of Ikea to the area.
Once one of the largest suppliers of kitchens and bedroom furniture in the country, MFI was "quietly obtained" by Victorian Plumbing in May 2024 before its reinvention of the brand to come in late 2026, according to a report from This is Money.
"I am very excited about the upcoming re-invention of MFI, allowing us to tap in to more of the £20billion UK homewares market," founder and chief executive Mark Radcliffe said in a statement.
"Our dedicated and ambitious team, decades of e-commerce knowledge and best-in-class proprietary software, together with the recognizable MFI brand, will help to deliver our strategic ambition over the medium-term."
The MFI brand was initially purchased by Victoria Plum after it fell into administration and was relaunched as an online only retailer November 2011, but lasted less than four years before it ceased operation again in July 2015.
"Having invested significantly in preparing the business for future growth last year, I am pleased with the group's strategic progress in the first half," Radcliffe added in a forecast for the new venture.
"We are fully operational in our new purpose built warehouse and have continued to improve our customer proposition, while expanding product range into other rooms within the home and taking significant market share gains in a subdued trading backdrop."
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