Store’s name set to disappear after 93 years of trading
It has been one of the County Town’s most familiar brands for almost 100 years - but later this year its name will be no more.
Furnishing store Clarkes has been trading in Maidstone since 1929 when it was founded by brothers Gerald and Ronald Clarke.
But in December 2007 the company was acquired by Lenleys of Canterbury - a furnishing company with almost as long a history.
And now it has decided to rebrand the outlet as Lenleys.
It will mean the store will close in March to undergo a major refurbishment of its own, as well as see the branding change.
But before then, there will be a £750,000 closing down sale in order to shift existing stock.
A spokesman for Lenleys explained: “As well as major works to the roof, architectural improvements to the exter
nal building, and a full internal re-decoration, there will be upgrades to the overall product range with new designers in store at Maidstone for the first time. Our team of interiors experts will remain the same, and will be growing to help us provide an even better service to all of our customers.
“This work will allow us to fulfil our long-term intention to amalgamate our two businesses into one brand and strengthen
our offer as one of the leading luxury furnishers and family businesses in the South East.”
It is expected to be closed for around two months before reopening as a Lenleys Home store in the early summer.
Many will remember the devastating fire that destroyed the original Clarkes store in King Street in 1995 prompting the business to move to its current purpose-built premises in Sandling Road, near the prison.