28 March 2024, 20:19
By Furniture News May 18, 2021

RIP Martin Griffiths, 1953-2021

Martin Griffiths, a well-known and respected figure in the mid-market furniture trade, passed away on 21st April, aged 67.

Martin held a number of high-profile positions across more than two decades, going from successful sales roles to founding a family business, Top Furniture, alongside his stepson David Edwards.

In 1990 Martin joined Windmill Pine, where he served as national sales and marketing manager until 1999, whereupon he took up a similar role at Topcraft Pine Furniture. In 2003 he was appointed the MD of high-volume flatpack furniture supplier Marada.

Before he left that role, Martin founded Top Furniture with David, which supplied stores (and a growing number of ecommerce sites) with goods from Europe and the Far East until 2010.

Martin was a true devotee of Furniture News and its predecessor, Pine News International, recalls publisher, Nigel Gearing: “I knew Martin for over 34 years, and I have to say that he was one of the last of ‘the old school’.

“We first met when he was in charge of sales at Windmill Pine. My overriding memory is of how he used to greet the arrival of Pine News International: ‘Right then Nigel, I’ll tell you now, that when the publication arrives, I grab my sandwiches, close the office door, then read it stem to stern … twice, muttering expletives about the competition! Then, invigorated by the feeling that we were holding our own within a booming industry, I felt set up for the month!’

“Such was his enthusiasm for the old pine trade, that it’s one that he remained in for the remainder of his working life. 

“Martin will always be remembered for his quick wit, euphemisms and desire to enjoy his industry. Even after retirement, he would still attend the furniture shows ‘just to keep his eye in’, and it became our annual catch-up. I really don’t think they make ‘em like that anymore, so he will be sadly missed, and always part of my memories.”

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