One of Kent’s longest-established independent retailers is celebrating a major milestone this year, as Lenleys Home marks 90 years in business.

Founded on Valentine’s Day in 1936, Lenleys began when childhood friends Leonard Watts and Stanley Adsett opened a small furniture store in Canterbury city centre, turning a shared ambition into a business that would go on to serve customers across the region for generations.

Now, nearly a century later, the company remains proudly family-run, with third-generation leaders Lavinia Watts and Oliver Greenfield taking the business forward into its next chapter.

Lenleys Store in Burgate, Canterbury

From its early focus on fabrics and soft furnishings, Lenleys quickly grew in popularity, expanding to multiple shops along Canterbury’s historic Burgate before evolving into the destination retail business it is today.

The journey has not been without setbacks. In 1983, a devastating fire destroyed the company’s newly opened showroom just months after it launched. However, the family rebuilt the business and continued trading, cementing a reputation for resilience that still defines Lenleys today.

With stores now in both Canterbury and Maidstone, the company has come full circle, returning to the town where its founders first grew up, while maintaining strong roots in Canterbury where the business first began.

Founding business partners with second generation – Jonathan Watts, Jacky Adsett, Stanley Adsett & Leonard Watts

Lavinia Watts said: “Reaching 90 years is a huge milestone for us as a family business. We’ve been part of people’s homes and lives for generations across Kent, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of. What started as a small shop in Canterbury has grown into something much bigger, but we’ve always stayed true to the values it was built on – quality, service and a personal approach.”

As Lenleys enters its tenth decade, the focus is firmly on the future, with the next generation continuing to evolve the business to meet changing customer expectations while maintaining its heritage.

Lavinia added: “We’re proud of our history, but we’re equally focused on what comes next. We want Lenleys to continue serving customers across Kent for many years to come.”