Richard Lefton, one of the most well-known figures in Blackpool’s retail sector, passed away in January 2020 at the age of 54. He died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after being admitted with sepsis, a sudden loss that came as a devastating shock to his family.
Richard was born in St Annes in December 1965 and went to Devonshire Road School and Warbreck High School. He went to both schools with Ian Rainford, now a very successful property developer, and remained friends with him until Richard passed. Ian developed the Lefton’s warehouse building on Walker Street in Blackpool as well as the top floor of Richard’s General Street building. And Richard provided furniture for Brickhouse Farm Cottages, Ian Rainford’s development in Hambleton.
Upstairs showroom renovated by Ian Rainford’s team
A respected businessman, he was the managing director of Lefton’s Furniture Group, a company originally founded by his father, Reuben, and uncle, Cyril, in 1946 as a carpet business before expanding into furniture retail. Having joined the family business as a teenager in the 1980s, he played a key role in steering it through significant challenges, including a fire at the Topping Street store in 1988, the banking crisis recession of 2007, and severe flooding at the General Street location in 2013. Lefton’s Furniture Group became a trusted independent retailer in Blackpool, offering a wide selection of home furnishings, from living and dining room pieces to bedroom collections. The store stocked a variety of designer brands, including Natuzzi, Somnus, Wade, Celebrity, Vale Bridgecraft, Sherborne, and Hypnos. Shopping in-store was always a personal experience, with advisors on hand to assist customers, and the company was known for its quick responses to online enquiries via email and Twitter.
Original exterior signage
Richard with £500 Lefton’s voucher winner
In October 2019, Richard Lefton made the difficult decision to close the business, citing the increasing pressures faced by independent retailers, including competition from online stores that were not burdened with business rates, the rise of out-of-town retail parks, and the high costs of running a physical store. Announcing the closure after 75 years of trading, he expressed gratitude to the store’s loyal customers, saying, “It has been a pleasure to serve you.” Beyond business, he was deeply committed to supporting the local community. Lefton’s Group contributed to charitable initiatives, including the Refurb furnishings recycling group. In June 2018, he personally donated £300 to help a Wyre mother rebuild her home after a house fire, reflecting his generosity and dedication to helping others.
Richard on a well deserved holiday break. Photo by © Allison Roth
Photo by © Allison Roth
