Stoke-on-Trent-based Think Rugs is marking its 30th anniversary with a major commercial boost after securing new partnerships with Laura Ashley and Joules worth a combined £6 million.
The family‑run business, founded by Gary and Diane Tippett in 1996, has announced that its partnership with Laura Ashley is expected to deliver £5 million over the next five years, while its new licensed range with Joules is forecast to bring in £1 million over the next three years.
Gary and Diane’s son, Sam Tippett, is the director of the company, working alongside his wife Steph and parents, who remain actively involved.
The business now supplies more than 1,000 retailers across the UK and Ireland from its 40,000+ sq ft Longton base, working with other major names including Dunelm, Next, Argos, ASDA and Furniture Village.
Sam said: “We’re really proud to be building partnerships with two such well known British brands. Together, they represent an exciting period of growth for Think Rugs and, as we celebrate almost 30 years in business, are a great indication of where we’re heading next.”
Despite its national reach, Think Rugs has stayed firmly rooted in Staffordshire, maintaining close ties with local businesses including Terry’s Fabrics, Euro Carpets, Barry’s Place and Blink Studios.
Sam added: “Reaching 30 years in business is a proud milestone for our family and the entire Think Rugs team.
“I grew up around the business and remember being paid two pence for every rug I rolled, so to now be celebrating 30 years alongside Mum, Dad, Steph and the whole team feels incredibly special.
“A huge amount has changed since the days of Dad driving his van to Belgium to source rugs, but the values behind the business haven’t. Staffordshire has always been our home and we’re proud that, as we’ve grown, we’ve continued to work with local businesses alongside some of the biggest retailers in the country.”
Think Rugs’ portfolio now combines its own collections with licensed ranges from interiors names including Scion, Harlequin, Clarke & Clarke, Catherine Lansfield and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
