Sadness as Stourbridge furniture store to close doors after almost 100 years

John Pargeter and Sons Ltd, also known as Pargeter's Furniture, on High Street, Stourbridge, announced that they will be closing their doors for the final time once all of their stock has been sold, ending almost 100 years of service to their community. 

The Dudley-based store is owned by Miles Pargeter, 66, son of John, the namesake of the shop, for 45 years. He said that it was "time to close" as he prepares for a well-earned retirement.

The store owner said: "I have been in this business for 45 years now. Almost 98 per cent of the products we sell are British made.

"My grandfather started off in 1926, he was a cabinet maker, he ran this business through the Second World War and my father joined the business when he came out of the RAF in 1949 and he carried on until he died. 

"It's a real family business, it is one of those businesses where we really care about our customer experience."

Miles said that while it is unfortunate that there were no other family members who wanted to continue the business, he looks forward to his retirement, thanking his customers for their long loyalty.

He said: "I think It was just time. I think 66 is just a good time to call it quits. I have put my full effort into the business, and basically, I wanted to leave it on a high note. 

"None of my children really want to carry on the business, so it was just time I think.

"I would just like to thank all of my customers for all of their interest and custom over the years, and for supporting this business from all over the West Midlands, It has been a pleasure. Thank you."

'I wish him all the best in his retirement'

The store was a mainstay for the town for almost 100 years, with customers coming from all over the West Midlands to buy furniture for their homes.

David and Silvey Harcourt, from Stourbridge, had been visiting the Pargeter's for more than 40 years, they said they would be sad to see it go, but wished Miles a happy retirement. 

They said: "It's sad yeah, it is a shame. We have actually been shopping here for around 40 years now, we have always bought stuff from here.

"We think they deserve to retire really. They've been here for quite a long time, it's a real family business. I really hope they go on and put their feet up and enjoy a well-earned rest."

Another Stourbridge resident, Nick Hancox, has been shopping at Pargeter's since he moved to the area in 1971. 

He said: "We actually bought out the first three-piece suite from them, and then we bought another one and another one. Our house is actually furnished by them because they're just such nice people to deal with.

"John Pargeter and Miles, they're such nice chaps. Real old-school businessmen. It's sad, there isn't a great deal of family shops left in Stourbridge, but it's lovely they are retiring." 

Miles said the shop is expected to officially close at the end of April, or when the very last of their stock is sold.