Sterling Furniture
Sterling Furniture is Scotland's largest furniture retail development based in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire. It was founded in 1974 by Stirling-based furniture retailer George Knowles, who based its concept on the out-of-town retail developments which had been successful in the United States. He bought and converted a disused mill in Tillicoultry, making it the largest furniture showroom in Scotland.
Knowles later expanded the complex to include a 'Homestore Outlet' and garden centre, and was involved in the development of the "Sterling Mills outlet centre" on land opposite the original furniture warehouse, which was formerly the base of Marshall Construction.
Their television advertisements, starring football commentator Dougie Donnelly have become part of popular culture, together with the phrase "Tillicoultry, near Stirling" (even though Tillicoultry is 10 miles east of Stirling).
Sterling have stores throughout Scotland in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Inverness and Uddingston but the Tillicoultry HQ is by far the largest with a Homestore as well as two restaurants and a garden centre.
The two restaurants are highly regarded among the villagers.
After the death of George Knowles' son, Gordon Mearns took over the running of the company. He has expanded the company's stores and profits.
