Whitmore Jones thrived in Southsea, even through the First Great War 1914 – 1918 which Arthur served in. Arthur had three sons Clem, Alec & Edward who all became involved in the Family business. In 1928 Whitmore Jones expanded into Cosham, with a purpose built showrooms on the High Street. By this time Alec, the middle son had taken on responsibility for the Southsea shop, and Clem was to run the newly built flagship Cosham store.
Both shops were still thriving and business was developing, but then in September 1939 War broke out once again. Both stores continued to trade throughout these difficult years, even with Clem and Edward both being called up for National Service. This was obviously a tough time for all of the country, and it wasn’t without its near misses for Whitmore Jones either. The Southsea store was only just missed by German bombs, and had all of its windows blown out on one occasion.
The end of the war: Both Southsea & Cosham had survived the war and Business was growing once again. Edward the youngest son, now aged 32, had just returned from the Pacific where he had been a Japanese P.O.W. since the fall of Java. It was time to expand the family business further and Chichester was chosen.
Whitmore Jones Chichester was opened by Edward. It took over the site of an existing Hardware and Furniture store which had operated in Chichester since the early 1800’s. Hard work and commitment to customer service ensured that the Chichester shop prospered under the guidance of Edward. Tragically Edward died in 1968 aged 54. The years of starvation and prolonged captivity at the hands of the Japanese, in his younger years, had taken its toll.
Christopher, Edward’s son joined the business to help his mother Jean. Having graduated from the College for the Distributive Trades, after completing a specialist Furniture and Business course and undertaken training at Johnson Bros of Brighton, Christopher took over the day to day running of the family business. Jean continued to work at the shop and only retired fully from the business in 2002 at the age of 81.
Michael, Christopher’s son joined the business, the 4th Generation to be actively involved. The business is now run by Michael with the aid of their Senior Sales Manager Gerald Lloyd, who himself has over 45 years’ experience in the furniture trade.
With an un-paralleled furniture knowledge and focusing on traditional personal service, selling only Quality Products, Whitmore Jones provides you with reassurance and a pleasurable shopping experience.
***A small delivery charge may apply if we are delivering outside of this area.
For customers in our local area looking for lift and rise recliners who are physically unable to come to the show rooms, we are more than happy to arrange for a home visit, where we can bring a selection to your home to try and buy.
Please feel free to get in touch by phone or email. We are always happy to welcome you, in person, at our showroom in Chichester.
