Company History
The Early Days
Listers Furnishers Limited of Workington was established in 1870 by J.T.Lister in premises on Finkle Street, Workington. The business was inherited by his nephew, Jim Lister, in 1912 (grandfather of the current Managing Director). A partnership of Lister and Smallwood followed, but was soon dissolved and Jim established a thriving business until his early death in 1932.
His wife, Jane née Whitehead, carried on the business until her son, Dennis Lister, returned from his war service in 1946. The business then expanded and acquired further premises for the successful Baby Goods Department. Dennis officially retired in 1991, leaving a much larger business than he had inherited to his youngest son, Patrick.
New Millennium
The company made a further considerable development around the turn of the century with two new furniture stores: “Listers Studio” inside the Lakes Homecentre, from its erection in 1999, and the “Suite Gallery” on Clay Flatts Trading Estate in Workington from 2000.
In 2004 Patrick Lister and his brother Jim acquired the entire Lakes Homecentre from Thomas Armstrong Limited and take great pleasure in running the Premier DIY and Gift superstore in the area.
In 2008 Listers re-located the main store from Finkle Street to the spacious building on the Clay Flatts Trading Estate. The wide range of furnishings available at “Listers Furnishers”, together with the easy and free parking invites customers to browse in leisure and this extensive one-floor, ground-level store is also wheelchair-accessible.
In 2010 an additional 11,000 square feet of floor space was added to The Lakes Homecentre with the building of a mezzanine floor where the new Listers Studio is now located.
Experience has shown that Listers’ high standards of personal customer care with competent and friendly staff offering quality goods are appreciated by our customers. The 21st century will continue to witness our commitment to our tradition as we look forward to welcoming you to our stores.
