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Oct 2022

Last Updated: 13/10/2022

Business

Introducing Smiths of Harrogate: the new brand with 115 years of history

by Vicky Carr

| 13 Oct, 2022

For more than 115 years, Smiths the Rink has been recognised as a leading provider of furniture across the Harrogate district and beyond.

This article is sponsored by Smiths of Harrogate.

A family business in Harrogate is set to step into a new era this Autumn.

For more than 115 years, Smiths has been recognised as a leading retailer of furniture, beds and upholstery across the Harrogate, Yorkshire and beyond.

Its familiar building on Dragon Road and its blue delivery vans have borne the name “Smiths The Rink” since 1935, when the Smith family took over the former roller rink which became its home.

However, the fifth generation of the Smith family has decided now is the time to update and move forward, ensuring the brand is recognised even by those who don’t know its history.

Company director Olly Smith said:

“The link to the roller rink was such a long time ago and for a very brief amount of time compared to the business’s history, which goes back to 1906.

“There are very few people who recognise the reason for the name these days – most people assume it was an ice rink.

“We’ve been changing the business significantly over the last five to 10 years into what it is now, and this is the final piece of the jigsaw.”

The new name, Smiths of Harrogate, maintains the historic family link as well as serving to continue the company's reputation for quality, trustworthiness and style.

Updated branding

That service includes a huge showroom and knowledgeable staff with 70 beds and impressive displays of sofas, chairs and more. Its furniture range covers everything from bedside tables to dining sets, while the flooring department has carpets, wooden flooring and luxury vinyl floors.

Smiths Of Harrogate offers an impressive range of brands to suit all tastes, including Ercol, Amtico, Duresta, Himolla, Parker Knoll, Hypnos, Vispring and many more.

Once customers have selected their furniture, it is delivered by Smiths’ own team in their recognisable vans – now carrying the new name and logo.

The Smith family is looking forward to introducing the refreshed business to customers old and new over the coming weeks and months. Olly added:

“Anyone who comes through the door is wowed by the scale of the building and our product offering.

“We have a lot of people coming to us from some distance away, having found us online. This is a great opportunity for local people who only know our old brand to meet the modern business and see for themselves what’s behind the doors.”