When David Brough and business partner David Reynolds launched their first store, the UK hadn’t yet woken up to blinds.
Back in 1981, when the friends launched an Apollo Blinds franchise in New Street, Altrincham, Margaret Thatcher’s Government was still struggling to kick-start the economy. A few years later, the property market literally exploded into life, trends in home furnishings followed suit and the rest, as they say, is history. “We saw the potential future in blinds when the world was full of net curtains,” says David Brough. “There was very little competition around at the time, so we decided to take the plunge and went into business together.” After showing the vision to enter the blinds market ahead of a property boom, the two Davids are now celebrating their 30th year in business together by setting up their own company, Apple Blinds.
The region’s largest independent blinds retailer
The five Apple Blinds outlets – the original Altrincham shop, as well as a store in Cross Street, Sale, and showrooms in Chester, Macclesfield and Bury – make it the largest independent blinds retailer in the north west. David Brough believes that the new company will provide a whole host of benefits to customers, including more choice, better service and keener prices. “The world of window coverings is changing and we are changing with it,” says David. “Our customers should be able to see every style of blind that is available to them on the market, which is why we decided to break away from Apollo. “Now that we are no longer committed to selling their products, we can offer more variety, with more fabrics and designs at our disposal.
“Also, because we make the majority of our blinds to measure in our own factory, we are no longer relying on a manufacturer, meaning we can offer the keenest of prices.” Prospective customers can see all of the products on display in each shop, where they can also test them out. Customers can also check out the full range online at www.apple-blinds.com or make an appointment for one of the staff to bring an array of samples to their own home. Apple Blinds’ expert staff will also measure up your home and install your chosen blinds with the minimum of fuss. Whatever you decide to do, you definitely won’t be pressured into buying a product. “We have never used agents,” said David. “All of my staff have been with me for at least 15 years.
They all have a wealth of experience and pass this on to our customers, helping them to choose the right window coverings to meet their requirements.” Check out the website to discover the full range of window coverings on offer, such as roller, Roman, Venetian, vertical and wooden blinds, as well as awnings, canopies and shutters. For further details, pop into the Sale store at 179 Cross Street or call 0161 976 1488, or visit Altrincham shop at 2a New Street or call 0161 941 4369.
