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1899 In 1899 Ernest Fishpool borrowed £85 to set up his first shop. Today, over 114 years and many changes later, the store is still based in Waltham Cross and is now the largest quality furniture store in the south east of England. The shop originally sold clothes as well as furniture and in 1906, as business was booming the forward thinking young 29 year old took over the lease of Fishpools' current address 109-115 High Street. 1900’s By this time, Ernest had married and started the family, which would go on to build up what is now a great family firm. Just after World War One ended, he invested in motorised transport in the form of two old army ambulances, which were converted into furniture delivery vehicles. Both of Ernest's sons, Clarence and Howard joined their father at the firm and made it a real family affair. 1950’s – 80’s In 1957, the third generation of the Fishpool family joined the firm. John Fishpool, Clarence's son continued the development of the company and made many changes including the opening of the New Ford Road warehouse and in 1981, the Watford branch. As with the general pace of the eighties, things changed at Fishpools. The Coffee Shop was relocated to the 1st Floor and the toy department closed to make way for the lighting department, but during these changes providing the best for the customers was always at the forefront of the family's mind. 1990’s The Leather Centre opened in 1993 and further expansion took place culminating in the addition of 8,000 sq ft of furniture displays - designed to give Fishpools' customers the ultimate inspiration to take back to their own homes. In 1999 Fishpools celebrated its 100th year of business and still the company was determined to provide an innovative yet accessible range of furniture with something for everyone. 2000’s In August 2002 the Budget & Outlet Shop opened next door to the main store with 5,000 square feet of space providing amazing bargains, special end of line offers and ex-showroom pieces. In 2003 John Fishpool's son Simon became managing director, the fourth generation of the family to run the business. With the interest in interiors on the increase Simon and John agreed that more space was needed to give the customers the ranges of furniture that they demanded and in 2004 a major expansion plan was unveiled. A 4,000 sq ft office development was created for the company's 200 plus employees along with a breathtaking 12,000 ft showroom expansion plan. This extra space on both the ground and first floors of the store meant that existing ranges could be added to and new ranges sourced to meet the more discerning shoppers' needs. At ground level the furnishing department grew by an extra 6,000 sq ft, as did the first floor bedroom department. 2010 At the end of 2012 having outgrown the New Ford Road warehouse, the whole warehousing operation was moved to a new, much larger Distribution Centre in Hertford, providing efficient receipt, storage and dispatch of furniture. Into 2013 Time doesn't stand still and Fishpools is constantly updating, keeping on top of current trends and engaging in a complete refurbishment programme for the non furniture departments. Starting with the Cook Shop and Home Accessory Departments in the spring of 2010, the schedule saw the Pictures and Mirrors Gallery completed later that summer and the Bed, Bath & Linens Department re-vamped in the summer of 2011. This period also saw major developments to the web site www.fishpools.co.uk. which now showcases all the furniture on sale in the store most of which can be bought online. Major projects in 2012 included a re-fit of the Flooring Department and a brand new Natuzzi Gallery. But throughout all the years of trading and the vast amount of changes the store has seen, the Fishpool family continues to provide the people of the south east with not only furniture and accessories but inspirational lifestyles... Here's to the next century!