Landmark furniture store celebrates 120th anniversary
The new manager of the historic Lee Longlands furniture store in Birmingham says there 's an exciting future ahead as the company celebrates its 120th anniversary.
Jag Mall, general manager of Lee Longlands, explained that the re-opening of Broad Street to traffic, along with the new tram line stopping directly outside the showroom, would make it even easier for customers to visit.
And he outlined ambitious plans to further improve the whole 'look and feel ' of the company 's famous flagship showroom on Broad Street.
Mr Mall said: “It 's obviously been a difficult couple of years for retailers such as ourselves, but I 'm really excited about the changes we have planned, which will offer our customers an all-round better shopping experience.
“Our team are fully prepared and, as we like to say here at Lee Longlands, 'we can 't wait to meet you and help you make the right decision for your wonderful home '. ”
Lee Longlands was established in the city in 1902 by Robert Lee and George Longland and opened its flagship art deco store in Broad Street 30 years later.
The shop was used to store food rations during World War II, and the company also contributed to the war effort by producing blackout fabric for windows, making it harder for enemy aircraft to identify targets.
Now that the transport infrastructure has nearly been completed, staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world as the Commonwealth Games approach.
“We can 't wait for Broad Street to re-open fully and for the games to start, ” said Mr Mall. “I 'm super excited. There 's massive potential for growth in the showroom but it 's not just about sales, it 's about service.
“People know that when they come here, they get knowledgeable and experienced sales experts to consult with and that 's what makes us wonderfully different.
“While a lot of business has gone online, the value of a showroom will always exist. You just can 't beat the experience of coming into the store, trying out the products and getting advice that 's second to none. ”
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said he was delighted to welcome Mr Mall to Westside and was impressed with his vision for the future.
He said: “Jag has only been at the store for a few weeks, but he has already shown the drive and determination needed to ensure that Lee Longlands will continue to prosper.
“Lee Longlands has been a landmark Broad Street business for more than a century and long may it remain so. ”