Furniture icon Smiths Of Harrogate rolls out 120th birthday celebrations

Smiths Of Harrogate is celebrating an incredible 120 years in business | Smiths Of Harrogate

placeholder image — Smiths Of Harrogate is celebrating an incredible 120 years in business | Smiths Of Harrogate

From roller skating rink to furniture icon - Smiths Of Harrogate is still on a roll as it celebrates its 120th birthday.

The party weekend is July 3 to 6 and will include special in-store anniversary events and discounts, with full details to follow on its website at www.smithstherink.co.uk.

The beloved store is affectionately known locally as 'Smiths The Rink' - because its home, since 1935, is a former roller skating rink on Dragon Road.

Dragon Road Rink in its heyday – the Harrogate landmark that gave Smiths its nickname | Library

By the time Smiths moved in the venue had already earned its place in local folklore.

The name stuck, helping to shape the business’s identity to this day - even naming its website www.smithstherink.co.uk.

Now a fifth-generation family business, it offers everything from sofas and chairs to beds and complete home interiors, all showcased within a 30,000 sq ft showroom.

Handcrafting luxurious beds since 1904 at Smiths of Harrogate. | Smiths of Harrogate

This remarkable Yorkshire success story began life in 1906, when Frederick Smith opened a modest second-hand furniture shop in Bower Road.

Over the decades, the business grew steadily before moving to its famed location.

Built on quality, service and trust, it remains one of the region’s most beloved and respected furniture destinations - proof that it’s still rolling strong.

Smiths original furniture showroom in Bower Road, Harrogate | Smiths Of Harrogate

Olly Smith represents the fifth generation of the business, today working alongside his parents, Nick and Cathy, uncle Richard and his wife, Fiona, and his grandfather Reg.

They follow in the footsteps of Olly's great-grandfather Thomas and great-great-grandfather, founder Frederick.

And waiting in the wings, to continue the story firmly rooted in family tradition, is another Fred - Olly's five year old son.

Smiths Of Harrogate is a fifth-generation family busines. Pictured, from left, are Nick, Freddie, Olly, Tabitha, Fabian and Richard Smith | Smiths Of Harrogate

“Reaching 120 years is something we’re incredibly proud of," says director Olly, who joined the business 15-years ago and is determined to do his bit to ensure the showroom is still there for decades to come.

"Every generation of our family has brought something new to the business, while still keeping the same values of service, trust and doing things properly that Smiths was built on back in 1906.

"Over the years we’ve embraced changing trends, modern retail and digital technology, while still offering the personal service people know us for today.

Contemporary comfort and craftsmanship remain at the heart of Smiths Of Harrogate’s furniture collections | HImolla Azure

"Our July anniversary celebrations will be a chance to thank the generations of customers, staff and local families who have supported us throughout the years, and we’d love people to visit our Harrogate showroom and celebrate the occasion with us.”

This is a business built on hard work, family values and a knack for evolving with the times.

But few can match the journey of Smiths Of Harrogate and an extraordinary 120 years in business, including surviving two world wars - when its delivery trucks and store were requisitioned to help the war effort.

The anniversary is also about looking to the future with ongoing investment, store upgrades and new technology helping the business grow as it now sells and delivers nationally.

From horse and cart deliveries to a 30,000 sq ft showroom, Smiths of Harrogate is celebrating 120 years. | Smiths of Harrogate

Smiths has come a long way from delivering furniture on the back of a horse and cart.

When Frederick first opened for business it was a simple operation, with a clear ethos to offer quality pieces, treat customers well and build something that lasts.

That formula proved a winning one, for what has become a Yorkshire institution.

Yet for all its growth and success, the heart of the business remains unchanged. It is a proud family-run operation built on trust, knowledge and genuine customer care.

Smiths of Harrogate marked its 90th anniversary in style in 1996. | Smiths of Harrogate

Step inside and you’ll find a carefully curated world of interiors.

From classic to contemporary, understated to statement, the range reflects changing tastes while maintaining a clear focus on craftsmanship and quality.It works with leading brands, offering everything from luxurious upholstery to expertly crafted beds.

There’s no rush. No hard sell. Customers browse at their own pace and can pause for a cup of tea or coffee.

It’s a world away from the transactional feel of modern retail.The same care extends behind the scenes too.

Smiths Of Harrogate’s Dragon Road showroom and delivery fleet - serving customers locally and nationwide | Smiths Of Harrogate

A knowledgeable team offers guidance without pressure. A dedicated in-house delivery service ensures every piece arrives and is assembled with precision.

Even the removal of old furniture is handled thoughtfully. It’s this attention to detail, a commitment to doing things properly, that has defined it for generations.

That approach has helped drive 1,150 Trustpilot reviews - a reflection of its lasting reputation.

Smith’s The Rink, c. 1960 on the site of Dragon Road roller skating rink in Harrogate. | Smiths Of Harrogate

In a world of fast furniture and fleeting trends, Smiths Of Harrogate stands for something different: longevity, quality and trust. Heritage isn’t just part of the story. It is the story.

From skates to sofas, wheels to wardrobes, the journey has been anything but ordinary.

After 120 years, Smiths Of Harrogate is still on a roll.