A History of Electrical Retailer Currys
One of the most well-known electrical retailers in the United Kingdom, Currys has a relatively lengthy history - dating back over 125 years. Whilst synonymous in the modern era with electrical goods featuring the latest technology, Currys was originally better associated with bike manufacturing.
The business was founded in Leicester by Henry Curry in 1884. Curry operated from a makeshift workshop, in a garden shed, at his 40 Painter Street home. Although small in scale, he began producing bikes on a full-time basis and eventually opened his first store in 1888. Located at 271 Belgrave Gate, it acted as Curry's main store for just two years before he decided to make the move to a larger building on the same street - 296 Belgrave Gate.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, Curry's small business received a name change and moved again. Having started a partnership with his sons, what we refer to as Currys now then became H. Curry & Sons - with the business moving for the fourth time in just over 15 years to 285-287 Belgrave Gate. This name would remain in place until 1930; at this point the business would undergo another name change, this time becoming Currys Limited.
During the 1920s, the company continued to grow. It acquired a number of small companies during this period, including a company that built bikes and another that specialised in building radios. As a result of the growth and success enjoyed by the company, the decision was taken to float Currys on the stock exchange towards the end of the decade.
Currys also began to diversify the items that it stocked and sold. Rather than just selling bikes, it began to sell a selection of children's toys, high quality radios and gramophones.
In the years that followed they continued to experience success. However, in 1984 the business was taken over by Dixons, another retailer of electronic goods. Rather than merge it into its own business, Dixons made the decision to keep Currys as an entirely separate brand.
Before Dixons acquired the business there were very few small town-centre Currys stores; most of its stores were much bigger superstores. These stores continued to stock a wide range of electrical goods - including washing machines, tumble dryers, televisions and hoovers. The amount of Currys stores found on the high street increased somewhat when Dixons revealed that its stores would undergo a rebrand in 2006 - becoming Currys.digital.
With the rise of the Internet, like many other businesses, Currys has adapted and now offers a huge range of home electrical goods on its website. This now means that it is possible for customers to order computers, cameras, games consoles and many other fantastic electrical items from the comfort of their own living room. These items can be ordered and delivered in a relatively short period of time - making the website a convenient option for many people across the United Kingdom.
Having undergone a significant amount of development since it was founded, Currys has certainly cemented its reputation as a respected British retailer.
The business was founded in Leicester by Henry Curry in 1884. Curry operated from a makeshift workshop, in a garden shed, at his 40 Painter Street home. Although small in scale, he began producing bikes on a full-time basis and eventually opened his first store in 1888. Located at 271 Belgrave Gate, it acted as Curry's main store for just two years before he decided to make the move to a larger building on the same street - 296 Belgrave Gate.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, Curry's small business received a name change and moved again. Having started a partnership with his sons, what we refer to as Currys now then became H. Curry & Sons - with the business moving for the fourth time in just over 15 years to 285-287 Belgrave Gate. This name would remain in place until 1930; at this point the business would undergo another name change, this time becoming Currys Limited.
During the 1920s, the company continued to grow. It acquired a number of small companies during this period, including a company that built bikes and another that specialised in building radios. As a result of the growth and success enjoyed by the company, the decision was taken to float Currys on the stock exchange towards the end of the decade.
Currys also began to diversify the items that it stocked and sold. Rather than just selling bikes, it began to sell a selection of children's toys, high quality radios and gramophones.
In the years that followed they continued to experience success. However, in 1984 the business was taken over by Dixons, another retailer of electronic goods. Rather than merge it into its own business, Dixons made the decision to keep Currys as an entirely separate brand.
Before Dixons acquired the business there were very few small town-centre Currys stores; most of its stores were much bigger superstores. These stores continued to stock a wide range of electrical goods - including washing machines, tumble dryers, televisions and hoovers. The amount of Currys stores found on the high street increased somewhat when Dixons revealed that its stores would undergo a rebrand in 2006 - becoming Currys.digital.
With the rise of the Internet, like many other businesses, Currys has adapted and now offers a huge range of home electrical goods on its website. This now means that it is possible for customers to order computers, cameras, games consoles and many other fantastic electrical items from the comfort of their own living room. These items can be ordered and delivered in a relatively short period of time - making the website a convenient option for many people across the United Kingdom.
Having undergone a significant amount of development since it was founded, Currys has certainly cemented its reputation as a respected British retailer.
Source...