Glasswells Newsletter

Glasswells has been helping families furnish their homes since 1946, when Jerry and Leslie Glasswell opened a small second-hand furniture shop on Brentgovel Street in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Today the business is East Anglia's largest family-run home department store, covering furniture for every room, flooring, rugs, curtains, and more. Their catalogue and eNewsletter brought that wide selection to customers across the country, with regular savings and offers to suit a range of budgets.

A Family Business with Deep Roots

Founded in 1946, Glasswells grew steadily from a single post-war secondhand shop into a multi-site retailer with stores in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, and beyond. Now in its third generation under Managing Director Paul Glasswell, the business has remained family-owned throughout, building a reputation across East Anglia for quality furniture and personal service. The launch of an online shop in 2012 extended that reach further still.

Furniture for Every Room

The Glasswells range covers the whole home: bedroom furniture including beds, wardrobes, and chests of drawers; living and dining room pieces such as sofas, armchairs, and dining sets; kitchen furniture; and outdoor and garden options. Flooring and rugs round out a collection designed to let customers create a consistent look from room to room. The catalogue was put together with variety in mind, so shoppers could browse a broad selection of styles and price points from home.

Style, Value, and Practical Savings

A central part of the Glasswells offer was making quality furniture accessible. Regular discounts, seasonal sales, and special offers featured prominently in both the catalogue and the eNewsletter, helping customers stretch their budget further without compromising on finish or durability. Tips on styling and home improvement were also a regular feature, giving readers ideas alongside the products to realise them.

The Glasswells eNewsletter

The eNewsletter complemented the printed catalogue by keeping subscribers up to date with new ranges, limited-time offers, and home inspiration content. It was aimed at anyone looking to make gradual improvements to their home while keeping an eye on value. Readers received practical advice alongside details of the latest promotions running across the Glasswells range.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Glasswells founded?

Glasswells was founded in 1946 by Jerry and Leslie Glasswell, who opened their first shop in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, selling second-hand furniture after the Second World War.

Where does Glasswells operate?

Glasswells is based in East Anglia and is regarded as the region's largest family-run home department store, with stores historically in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, and several other Suffolk and Essex towns.

What types of furniture did the Glasswells catalogue feature?

The catalogue covered bedroom furniture, living and dining room pieces, kitchen furniture, garden furniture, sofas, chairs, beds, tables, flooring, and rugs — a comprehensive range for furnishing a whole home.

Is Glasswells still a family business?

Yes. Glasswells has remained a family business since 1946 and is now led by Paul Glasswell, grandson of co-founder Jerry Glasswell, in the role of Managing Director.

What was the Glasswells eNewsletter?

The Glasswells eNewsletter was a subscriber email service providing home styling tips, details of new product ranges, and access to savings and promotional offers across the full furniture and interiors range.

Did Glasswells offer good value for money?

Value was a key part of the Glasswells proposition. The catalogue and eNewsletter regularly featured discounts and special offers, and the range was positioned to deliver quality furniture at competitive prices across a broad selection of styles.

Note: this brochure is from our archive. The offer shown is no longer available. Browse current home furnishing catalogues and brochures for the latest ranges.