A FURNITURE restorer who found fame on a popular BBC show is to open his first bricks-and-mortar furniture shop in Poole.Jay Blades, known for his role in restoration TV programme The Repair Shop, will take his online brand Jay & Co into Poole’s Kingland shopping complex in collaboration with Restored Retro on March 13.
The 53-year-old founded his online furniture business, from which he sells reclaimed and restored furniture and takes on specially commissioned projects, eight years ago.Following the success of the business, and with encouragement from his collaborator and fellow business owner Steve Wyatt of Restored Retro, Blades will soon open the first physical Jay & Co store.
Blades said: “Restored Retro was our first stockist, we started selling our products through his shop nearly two years ago, and it has not only been fruitful for both parties, we have become good friends, our business values are aligned and it is the right fit for us.”
Jay & Co works with artists, fabric houses and other restorers to extend the life of unique furniture pieces. Its products are also stocked in a number of furniture shops across the UK.Ahead of the Jay & Co store opening, centre manager of The Dolphin shopping centre John Grinnell said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Jay & Co to our dynamic line-up of retailers at Kingland, in partnership with Restored Retro.Seeing two successful independent businesses collaborating and joining forces demonstrates the supportive community we are building here in Poole.
“I’m excited to see Steve build on the great success he has achieved in the two years since he launched Restored Retro and to see Jay’s first store flourish.Wyatt said the venture is “a truly magnificent opportunity bringing together two great brands”.Blades has starred in The Repair Shop since its launch in 2017.Last year, he and his expert team met the King for a special episode of the programme as part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations.In May last year, Blades was made an MBE for his work in promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK.
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