By Sally Bengtsson (sally@theleader.info)

The Furniture Store, which has been known as Muebles Direct for the last five years, has recently changed its name, “mainly to stop any more confusion. Many Brits didn’t think the store was English,” say Fred and Diane, the owners.

This friendly couple from the Midlands have been living in Spain for the last six years. “We both had busy jobs in the UK and only really saw each other at the weekends.” They came over to Spain for a holiday, saw a house they liked, put down a deposit, and were living here six months later!


The idea of a furniture store was a completely new concept for them. “We just saw a gap in the market when we wanted to furnish our house. The furniture available round here was either very cheap or very expensive; there was nothing middle of the road.”

So when a front line unit became available on the Torre Pacheco road just outside Los Alcazares, they took it. “We looked all round Spain and found some reliable suppliers of good quality beds and sofas. We also looked further a field, and at present import furniture from China, Malaysia, Romania, Turkey and Poland.” Buying furniture really must be “done in the flesh.” You need to see and feel the texture of the fabrics and finishes so they tend to go to some of the furniture fairs, to see what they are buying first hand. They obviously have a good eye for quality and style, which is evident when you step into their shop.

Due to their success Fred and Diane have had to rent a second warehouse for storage. “We like to have a big supply available, as people often don’t want to have to wait for their furnishings. The shop is 300 square metres and the storage warehouse is 450 square metres. We buy things in container loads direct from the factories, which enables us to offer the goods at very reasonable prices. We generally don’t do offers because our prices start off low from scratch. What you see is what you pay.”

The sofas on display can be made to order. Clients can chose from a huge range of fabrics and shapes of sofas. Another bonus is that the covers are generally removable and washable.

About 75% of their customers are British, but they also sell to a lot of Spaniards, Scandinavians, Americans and Irish.

As well as a name change, they have completely revamped the Website, adding prices and making it more accessible. See for yourself on www.thefurniturestore.eu “We received so many Emails asking for prices it just seemed to make sense to put them on the website.”

With the new website it is now possible to order online from anywhere in the world. The Furniture Store has had orders placed from as far a field as the Antarctic, from a client on board a ship. When she arrived in Spain her furniture had been delivered, assembled and all the rubbish was cleared away. “It’s all part of the service.” They can take payments over the phone with credit cards, or clients can make bank transfers.

Fred and Diane can even arrange for your white goods and TV system to be installed, or for your curtains to be made. “And if we can’t do something we will put you in touch with someone who can.”

Their opening times are 10.30am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 10.30 to 2.30pm Saturdays. The motto of the shop is “Personal service at the right price.” So if you are looking to furnish your house or just need a new dining table, why not have a look in The Furniture Store. You won’t be able to beat the friendly service or the range of good quality items available.