Lee Longlands: landmark furniture store on Birmingham’s Broad Street celebrates 120th anniversary

As the Queen celebrates 70 years of sitting on the throne - Birmingham furniture store Lee Longlands is celebrating 120 years of making quality furniture for people to sit on across the land.

The historic company has been based at its eye-catching art deco style store on Broad Street since 1932 - 30 years after it began trading in 1902. It was set up by Robert Lee and George Longland and has seen many milestones since - including Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

The shop stored food rations during World War II, and the company also contributed to the war effort by producing blackout fabric for windows, making it harder for enemy aircraft to identify targets.

And there are many new exciting times ahead, general manager Jag Mall promises.

As the business has seen off the pandemic which claimed many high street staples in Birmingham, Jag explained that the re-opening of Broad Street to traffic, along with the new tram line, would make it even easier for customers to visit.

He also outlined ambitious plans to improve the whole look and feel of the company’s famous flagship showroom.

Mr Mall said: “It’s obviously been a difficult couple of years for retailers such as ourselves, but I’m really excited about the changes we have planned, which will offer our customers an all-round better shopping experience.

“Our team are fully prepared and, as we like to say here at Lee Longlands, we can’t wait to meet you and help you make the right decision for your wonderful home.”

Now that the transport infrastructure is nearly complete, staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world as the Commonwealth Games approach.

“We can’t wait for Broad Street to re-open fully and for the games to start,” said Mr Mall. “I’m super excited. There’s massive potential for growth in the showroom, but it’s not just about sales; it’s about service.

“People know that when they come here, they get knowledgeable and experienced sales experts to consult with, and that’s what makes us wonderfully different.

“While a lot of business has gone online, the value of a showroom will always exist. You just can’t beat the experience of coming into the store, trying out the products and getting advice that’s second to none.”

Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “Lee Longlands has been a landmark Broad Street business for more than a century, and long may it remain so.”

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.