Scottish furniture company Gillies aims to increase sales in the Highlands following the acquisition of Ogilvies of Inverness, the furniture retailer in the north of Scotland, as well as Westend Furniture of Dingwall.
The acquisition of Ogilvies for an undisclosed amount, allows Broughty Ferry-based Gillies to expand its reach into the north of Scotland whilst building on existing company infrastructure in the Highlands.
Trading will continue as normal at Ogilvies with all 12 employees remaining with the company as Gillies take over the running of the businesses today (Thursday, December 1).
As part of the acquisition, Gillies will add new product lines as well as fresh and modern stock which will be available for purchase in Inverness and Dingwall.
A comprehensive stock system will also be rolled out as part of a business modernisation programme to help link the Highland stores to the rest of the business, and allow the sharing of information and value-for-money stock offers. The Inverness store will also undergo a refurbishment programme in 2017.
Gillies was founded in 1895 by James Gillies, moving to Broughty Ferry, Dundee in 1906 as cabinetmakers, upholsterers and removal contractors before finally opening on the current site as ‘House Furnishers’ in 1939.
Since then the business has expanded its current site to 50,000sq.ft as well as opening stores in Aberdeen, Perth and Montrose, complete with its own distribution centres and fleet of 30 liveried vehicles.
The company, which now employs 165 people across all sites, remains an independent business now with the fifth generation of family members at the core of the business.
Ian Philp, managing director of Gillies, said: “We’re delighted to have completed the purchase of Ogilvies of Inverness and I would like to thank the MacAlistair family and staff of Ogilvies, for their support during the process.
“The company’s network and reach in the Highlands was very attractive to us and we look forward to introducing our exciting range of home furnishings to a new market in the north of Scotland.
“Business will continue as usual at the Ogilvies store and we are delighted to welcome their staff and customers as we continue to provide excellent service, innovation and value for money.”
Michael MacAlistair of Ogilvies, said: “We would like to thank our loyal and valued customers, as well as staff, for their support over the last 62 years.
“I’m pleased to have been able to hand the store over to a responsible company that will continue to grow on the current business and wish them every success in the future.”
