February’s meeting with Chamber member ‘Sussex Beds’
A local brand born out of their first shop in the heart of Hastings on Queen’s Road, 40 years later the family business boasts 14 stores & counting and is a reputable name for miles around.
In our February 2023 meeting, Steve Pickering, who has been leading the business since 2014, presented to us the history, core values of the brand, and also his impact on the community – producing an annual youth ‘Gang Show’ in Hastings. Steve began his career back in 1987, starting on the sales floor before gaining the experience and knowledge to move upward through the business.
The meeting, held at their ‘back’ office, located in the Old Observer Building in Hastings allowed Chamber members the opportunity to have a look around. Upon entering the office, you are greeted by the history of the business through newspaper clippings, past advertisement campaigns, and awards covering the walls. Alongside this is the brands values: ‘responsible’, ‘teamship’, ‘honest’, ‘caring’, ‘100% committed’, further demonstrating the core principles in their mission.
In 1978, Steve’s parents, John and Sandra purchased a small general furnishing business, trading as Miles House Furnishers in St Leonards. Following a trip to visit a trade show which featured a ‘Bed Specialist’ store concept in December 1981, the two became inspired, opening their first store on Queens Road in Hastings, previously known as ‘Hastings Bed Centre’. From the beginning, the culture was established, centring around family values.
Soon thereafter, they began expanding throughout East Sussex with their next store opening in Bexhill and then beyond the county into Haywards Heath, where they decided to then change the name to ‘Sussex Beds’.
The company has since widely expanded, currently operating from 14 branches across Sussex and Kent, each store differing in character but all offering the same great products and services. The family business, now run by John & Sandra’s children and grandchildren as well as other family members, are incredibly proud of the reputation Sussex Beds has earned over the 40 years they’ve been retailing beds and furniture, built on the sound principles of providing great products at low prices, in addition to their caring customer service.
“Great Product, Great Service for a Great Nights Sleep” is the independent family business saying and this is reflected through: their coherent selection of beds and mattress, never sacrificing quality or specification for cost or price; offering advice that is honest and focussed on meeting the customer’s needs, providing information which educates and illustrates the benefits and features of products for their customers to make informed choices; and a mission to provide a great night’s sleep for all.
As part of their ongoing expansion journey, Sussex Beds are continuing with their plan to open more locations across the Southeast of England, having their next store officially opening in Caterham on April 1st. Targeting future opportunities and helping to create jobs in the local economy, both on the high-street and online.
