A World of Furniture… A World of Pine

From its beginnings in the mid 90s, A World of Pine - now known as A World of Furniture - has believed in giving customers exactly what they want. As the largest independent pine and oak furniture retailer in Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire, the company offers an informal yet efficient sales process with quality products, affordable prices and quick delivery. This formula, to date, proves successful.

The company was founded by Mark and Lucy Hotson, who decided to set up their own pine furniture retail business in 1993 after settling in the South Wiltshire area. Salisbury seemed the most logical base for the first store. Within a matter of months, it was obvious that the Hotsons had a real understanding of customer needs and how the competition was falling short in the satisfaction stakes. With the arrival of Simon Vickerman, now a director of A World of Furniture, the retail area at the Salisbury outlet was considerably expanded and, to cope with demand, a 20,000 square foot warehouse was leased.

In 2004, a further superstore of some 20,000 sq. ft. was opened in Blandford Forum, Dorset, followed by a third store opening in Poole during early 2007. With the advent of an increased product range, the business started trading as A World of Furniture instead of A World of Pine.

Supported by some of the finest manufacturers and furniture importers - including Pinetum, Devonshire Furniture, Kettle, Global Sourcing, Furniture Depot, CPW and Pangeae, to name a few - A World of Furniture is planning to open a further two stores by mid 2009.

Today, A World of Furniture is run by a loyal workforce and, despite its growth, has a personalised approach to customer care. The company has recently implemented a carbon offsetting scheme as part of its ethical retail practises. Working alongside the Forestry Commission, it plants a tree for every item of furniture sold.

Key staff:

Mark Hotson, managing director
Lucy Hotson, director
Simon Vickerman, director

Alan Hill, Blandford manager
David Penny, Blandford assistant manager

Alan Giles, Salisbury manager
Lennon Duncan, Salisbury assistant manager

Simon Vickerman, Poole manager
David Bowen, Poole assistant manager

Nick Glover/Paul Flynn, warehouse / logistical managers

Judith Taylor, administration