Shopfloor RETAILER PROFILE: STUART WESTMORELAND
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ERT-Award winning family-run retailer Stuart
Westmoreland was founded in 1968. Will McGill chats to Director Richard Westmoreland about the highs and lows of being a retailer in 2025.
In 1968, Stuart Westmoreland founded the retail business in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire after recognising the potential impact of colour television. While his father and brothers ran an electrical contracting and retailing business elsewhere in the town, focusing on domestic appliances, Stuart saw an opportunity in consumer electronics.
“He saw a clear gap in the market and decided to act on it,” Stuart’s son and current Director of the business, Richard Westmoreland, recalls. “He opened a shop in Loughborough and it proved very successful. Customers quickly
saw the benefits of colour television, and demand surged. Over the next 20 years, the company expanded into more towns and cities, establishing a strong presence and ensuring the business had a solid foundation for the future.” Like for many independent retailers, the past few years have been challenging. Richard Westmoreland says: “We successfully navigated COVID, only to face economic and political factors stifling recovery. The lockdowns were tough, but we adapted quickly, ensuring our customers still had access to essential appliances and electronics.
L-R: Stuart Westmoreland, Helen Healy, Marketing Director, and Richard Westmoreland
“However, just as things seemed to be
improving, we faced new difficulties, from supply chain disruptions to inflationary pressures. But we are a resilient company, with complementary departments generating revenue, and we always look forward to opportunities for growth. We have always believed that challenges present opportunities if you are willing to adapt and innovate.”
Challenges
“Running a business for over 50 years comes with its share of challenges. The early 90s recession and the 2008 financial crash were tough, as were Brexit, COVID, and the cost-of- living crisis,” Mr Westmoreland continues. “The high street has endured the rise of out-of- town shopping and online retail, yet we’ve stayed committed to quality service – something only an independent, family-run company can offer. We have seen some of the biggest retailers struggle with the shift in consumer behaviour, and while we have had to make changes, we have stayed true to our core values. Our customers appreciate our personal service and that is why they continue to shop with us.” Despite the obstacles, there have been proud moments. The retailer has expanded its online department and completed some incredible custom installation projects... “These projects allow us to showcase our expertise and show customers what is possible with the latest technology. But winning the ERT Award for Best Independent Consumer Electronics Retailer last year was a particular highlight! It was recognition of the
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