Our History and Heritage

1947 - 2023

A HISTORY OF OUR HOME


1947

WE BEGAN IN A HUMBLE STORE IN HOLLINWOOD

We started life as a humble builders-merchants, selling anything from building materials to washing machines.

Even back then, we went above and beyond for our customers. When other stores shut at lunchtime, we opened all day Saturday.

1960's

THE RETAIL REVOLUTION BEGINS!

A decade and a half on, we had expanded to offer our customers a more varied shopping experience, ranging from DIY products and woodcutting, to pots, pans and other lovely knick-knacks and gifts.

IT WAS DURING THIS DECADE THAT WE BEGAN SELLING OUR FIRST PIECES OF FURNITURE

We continued to expand to meet customer demand and in the 60's, we started selling furniture to the public.

1970's

OUR SECOND STORE OPENS ITS DOORS

As word spread and demand grew, we recognised the need to expand even further, and opened another store.

1980's

WE KEEP GROWING! OUR 3RD STORE OPENS

We quickly needed more space for our wide range of building materials, fireplaces and DIY products.

We transformed a former paint works on Wickentree Lane into our third store.

1990's

ONE BIG HOME FURNISHING CENTRE

As we continued to grow, so did our ambition. To achieve our goal of becoming a leading home furnishing retailer to create something special, we merged all our stores to create a massive five acre purpose built store in 1991.

GOODBYE DIY PRODUCTS, HELLO EMPORIUM AND FIREPLACE CENTRE

We took the difficult decision to stop selling building and DIY products, as the growth of the home furnishings market became an exciting opportunity for us to focus on.

2000's

EXPANDING FOR A NEW MILLENNIUM

Throughout the early 2000's we continued to expand rapidly, adding new departments and a second café in 2000.

We followed this with the addition of a £4m, 67,000sq ft distribution and administration centre adjacent to the store. This further improved customer service by allowing many furniture ranges to be kept in stock.

2006

£1.5M MAKEOVER, PLUS ANOTHER AWARD

A special year, when we scooped the UK Retailer of the year award for fires; rejuvenated both stores; and completely transformed our Home Furnishing Store with new departments and a refurbished café.

THE CRESCENT OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

Our new development brought Nursery Goods to our store, followed by the opening of the Kitchen Design Centre and our very own Carpet and Flooring Centre.

2009

THE WICKENTREE SERVES ITS FIRST MEAL 

Our award-winning restaurant opened and was an instant success. Offering customers a fine and casual dining choice, making a trip to Housing Units an even better family day out.

 

FURNITURE OUTLET OPENS FOR EVEN BETTER VALUE

The Crescent welcomed the addition of the Furniture Outlet; a department dedicated to providing exceptional value to our customers.

2010

CROWNED THE UK'S NO.1 DEPARTMENT STORE

This year marked a proud moment in our history as we were officially recognised as the UK's No.1 Department Store.

 

2011

ANOTHER AWARD AND KIDS WORLD OPENS

In addition to receiving the UK's No.1 Department Store Award for the second year running, we opened Kids World, specialising in kids furniture, toys, clothes and shoes.

NEW WEBSITE, MORE CHOICE

After a decade of online success, we revitalised our website to give customers an even more enjoyable home shopping experience. Explore thousands of stylish products online at housingunits.co.uk

2017

CELEBRATING 70 GREAT YEARS!

In 2017 we celebrated 70 years of Housing Units, since the first site opened in 1947.

 

EXPANSION OF OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

We expanded our Distribution Centre to bring you even more products and further improve our service.

2018

THE GRAND OPENING OF THE PRIVATE DINING ROOM

We further elevated our customer dining experience by opening the doors to our Private Dining Room. This luxury dining space alongside The Wickentree Restaurant, welcomes parties of up to 16 people for breakfast, lunch and dinner, for business meetings and celebrations.

2019

WE CUT THE RIBBON OF CAFÉ 1947

We refurbished the Hollinwood Café under the new name Café 1947. While the name celebrates the year we first opened our doors, the branding, interior style and menu were given a contemporary design. The perfect pit stop for Prosecco, pizza and more!

2020'smodern living logo

TAKING THE INTERNET BY STORM

During the pandemic we all spent more time at home than ever before. The team faced our biggest challenge yet, ensuring the business not only survived but came back even stronger. We used this time to reflect on our commitment to furniture and furnishings.

With a forced closure for months, we made the most of the time creating a brand new Fireplace Department in the Emporium and an industry leading new furniture and accessories department.

We recognised a change in the way people furnish their homes, so we filled a gap in the market with a new concept range of furniture and furnishings for smaller spaces with a new department called Modern Living.

2022

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF HOME

In 2022 we celebrated 75 years of Housing Units, since the first site opened in 1947.

We pride ourselves on remaining a privately owned family business and are committed to providing great service, quality and value to all customers, old and new.

2023

THE LAUNCH OF EICHHOLTZ

This year saw the introduction of one of the world’s most well-known and reputable brands of luxury design in furniture, lighting and accessories, Eichholtz. Our beautiful Eichholtz showroom showcases an exquisite collection of carefully curated pieces from the luxury brand.


© Housing Units Limited 1947 - 2022.

Housing Units Limited. Registered office Distribution And Administration, Centre, Tweedale Way, Chadderton Oldham, OL9 7HU. Company registration no. 00445593
Retail store address: Housing Units Retail Park, Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 9BA