Over 15 years, we’ve grown from a start-up with 35 supplier products on sale across one floor, to a two-storey emporium of 200 – makers with a café and a busy online store for those who can’t make it to Kendal.
Our family has grown with our business
Andrew and I returned to Cumbria when our son was 18 months old. We wanted him to have a rural childhood with family close by. Full of energy, and a big dollop of naivety, we pooled our retail and product development experience and opened our doors in October 2005.
Now we are well into our second decade of trading, we still love and get a buzz from sourcing new products. What we are most proud of, though, is the loyalty, friendship and sense of community that has grown within the shop. Armstrong Ward is known as a place where homes, family and friends are celebrated, and that’s what truly sets us apart.
Working closely with brands, big and small
The other aspect of the business that defines us is our buying approach. We’ve always supported fledging designers and exciting start-ups who can benefit from an established place to sell their products. They complement the long-established brands and much-loved product ranges already in store.
Inspired by Liberty’s of London, we ran two British design open door events that led to us finding and supporting local and small-scale designers who would not normally have been able to get that level of exposure and help.
Customer
feedback
"My favourite shop in the entire universe. The only fault is that I can find no fault"
"Mouthwateringly beautiful shop"
"I just had to call to say how thrilled I am with my sofas that were delivered this morning. I absolutely love the fabric choices, they are the perfect colour and just finished off the room – we love it. Thank you"