A cherished furniture chain is set to make a return next year after almost 20 years.
MFI collapsed into administration in 2008 following the financial crash but is set to undergo a £3million ‘re-invention’ and open in the second half of 2026.
It was once one of the largest suppliers of kitchens and bedroom furniture in the country but was obtained by Victorian Plumbing in May last year.
The brand will trade as a standalone online homewares business, targeting bedroom, living room, dining room, hallway and home accessories.
It will be run by a ‘dedicated and experienced management team’, Victorian Plumbing told investors yesterday.
While its not yet known how many stores will open, MFI will use two warehouses vacated by Victorian Plumbing in Skelmersdale, Lancashire.
Founder and chief executive Mark Radcliffe said: ‘I am very excited about the upcoming re-invention of MFI, allowing us to tap in to more of the £20billion UK homewares market.
‘Our dedicated and ambitious team, decades of e-commerce knowledge and best-in-class proprietary software, together with the recognisable MFI brand, will help to deliver our strategic ambition over the medium-term.
‘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.
‘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.
‘Victorian Plumbing has always taken an opportunistic and entrepreneurial approach; alongside this we have built a business that invests in the future, has solid financial foundations and is committed to delivering long-term value to all shareholders, as epitomised by our enhanced capital allocation policy and increased interim dividend.’
Other stores across the UK have not been so lucky particularly on the high street.
In 2024, recognisable high street chains like Ted Baker, Homebase and Carpetright closed down due to insolvency proceedings, while others like Boots and Shoe Zone cut their shop numbers as a money-saving measure.
This year, other well-known retailer giants like Homebase, WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, Farmfoods, The Entertainer, Hollister and New Look will all close some of their stores.
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