John Doe’s: The Family Business

For 38 years, John Doe’s Carpet and Furniture store has been providing the people of Diss and beyond with high-quality and reliable flooring and furniture brands.

John Doe’s has plenty of history, spanning over three generations of one family. 

In 1983, John Doe opened his first ever carpet business with his wife Angela after working as a carpet representative for 19 years. Ten years later, Angela’s sons, Edward and Charles, joined the family business and have since branched out to Stowmarket and Harleston. Charles’ three children have even gone on to join the family company. 

Now, with Edward and Charles at the helm, after Angela stepped down in 2015, John Doe’s Carpet and Furniture store is offering both domestic and commercial markets including carpets, wood, vinyl and laminate flooring, interior furniture (such as bedroom and living room furniture), curtains, lighting and so much more. 

They also have a purpose-built showroom, measuring a huge 40,000 square foot. and are in the process of constructing a new 18,000 square foot delivery and distribution hub which will allow for better use of their showroom. 

Nathan Doe, John Doe’s grandson, told us: “The company currently employs over 50 staff, who are all dedicated to providing expert advice and a personal service to all their customers. John Doe has built up an excellent reputation over the past 37 years and all of the staff take a tremendous pride in the company’s standing.” 

As with too many businesses in the area, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have meant that John Doe’s had to close their shop front to the public but the team are ‘focusing on the positives’. 

Nathan explained: “I would even go as far to say that the extra time at home has pushed people to make decisions to get that new floor, sofa or bed that they’ve been putting off for so long which has proved positive for business. Even during lockdown when we had to briefly close our doors, we used this as a time to further improve the store and plan for the future.”

Although John Doe’s have expanded so much over the years, they’re determined to keep the company ‘old-school’, especially when it comes to customer service, wanting a close-knit, family run feel that they never want to lose. 

Nathan said: “We have a great team, which makes coming to work every day a lot easier and much more enjoyable. Also, I enjoy the variation in my role. Although we’ve grown significantly over the years, we’re still a family-run business with the same values and I get to be heavily involved with many different aspects of the business which I enjoy. I always wanted to join the family business as soon as I could and am really enjoying being a part of it.”  

To check out everything that John Doe’s has to offer, check out their website (https://johndoe.co.uk/) or give them a ring on 01379 644 081. When lockdown ends, be sure to also head to their store on Sawmills Road in Diss to see their massive showroom for yourself!