The Next Generation

Established by Lindsay and Kay Thomason in 1996, Lynfords Furniture has been synonymous with helping to create beautiful homes across the whole top of the south region for many years.

Much more than just a furniture store, Lynfords also provide customisation of furniture, including NZ-made lounge suites and hardwood furniture, Home Interior Design consultations, customised curtains and blinds, and provide a great selection of beds.

Originally based in Blenheim, the intergenerational business opened their Nelson store in 2010. Son Hamish Greenwood has been involved for twenty years, managing the business for the last five, so stepping into the ownership role last year seemed a natural progression. “Hamish has learnt first-hand all aspects of the business as he started out as delivery driver and warehouse manager, before stepping into sales and management roles,” says Mel Greenwood, Hamish’s wife and the accounts and marketing manager of Lynfords.

“We officially bought the business outright last year, but it was in the pipeline for a lot longer. We always understood Kay and Lindsay would have other plans at some stage and it was a challenge that we were keen to take on.”

The importance of having good staff and working as a team is something that stands out as a key learning for the couple. “We can’t reiterate enough how much we value our amazing staff. Working with fantastic, down to earth and fun people, makes it a great place to work and a great experience for customers. Bringing new suppliers on board, extending lines from existing suppliers, and hunting down new products is all in a day’s work for Hamish. “For us, it’s about building on what we of- fer. Our connection with a great group of suppliers gives us the ability to bring in many different types and styles of furniture, both NZ-made and imported, to cater for a range of budgets. We’re certainly not just about high-end ranges, which seemed to be a common misconception over the years. Some true ‘old school values and processes’ have attributed to the success and longevity of Lyn- fords. “We care. We go the extra mile to make sure customers have a good experience, like taking items home to try on Appro. We unpack, assemble and check furniture before we deliver it into people’s homes – no flat packs on your door. Kay has kept the tradition of giving away free shopping bags made from beautiful, discontinued fabric samples, so no waste there! Between Kay and her late mum, they have made for