mfi - Page 2

jambutty · 30-09-2008, 12:49

I remember MFI when they first started up back in the sixties. Then they did their trading via classified ads in newspapers.

One such advert for a desk caught my eye shortly after I was demobbed from the navy. As I recall they advertised a solid wood, beautifully stained and French polished desk for £5 something plus p + p of a few shillings. £5 then was probably equivalent to £50 today.

The desk duly arrived for me to discover that it was made from boxwood (what packing cases like tea chests are made from) and the staining didn’t even reach the edge of the wood with the French polishing virtually non-existent. In other words it was so far away from the advert that it was blatant fraud.

“I can make one better than that” I declared to my wife. “Do so” she challenged.

A brief exchange of letters saw me get a full refund, plus the p + p and they collected the trash at their expense.

I’m not bad with wood but I’m not a cabinet maker but I sat down and designed my own desk, went to O’Keefes in Blackburn with a list of sizes for some hardwood plywood of varying thicknesses. A few days later O’Keefe delivered the timber (free delivery). All I had to do was to cut the slots in all the right places and put the whole thing together. Once stained I tried my hand at French polishing and did a presentable job of it and certainly much better than MFI managed to do.

The desk? Is still in use today and as solid as the day it was constructed.

I’ve never been back to MFI since.

pipinfort · 30-09-2008, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashytart

i think they should replace mfi with Ikea

I`ll second that flashers...........

West Ender · 30-09-2008, 16:59

I bought my replacement kitchen through MFI but, of course, it's Hygena units and not made by them. I was pleased with their service, the price and the goods. About 25 years ago we bought a big, oval dining table from them. It was solid wood with a teak veneer and a really nice item but it wasn't cheap, even though it was reduced as an "end of line" thing.

I was in there (Warrington branch) a few weeks ago and bought a foam matress for Laura's bed. I was also enquiring about new worktops for the kitchen, possibly granite if I can afford them (there's a lot of worktop area in my kitchen). I'm glad I didn't order any. There were about a dozen customers as it was Sunday afternoon but I don't think it was doing much trade during the week, in fact I don't think it ever did.

IKEA is always full of people. I think people go for a day out and spend half the day trying to find their way through to the exit. Their furniture is often gaudy, not very comfortable and not well made, with the odd exception. They sell some quite nice ornaments though.

jaysay · 01-10-2008, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

When UNO furniture store at Whitebirk went bust, I was one of the lucky ones who got delivery just weeks before.
but.....The expensive leather insurance policy they sold me was worthless.

I was the same Margaret, I'd only had my suit 2 weeks when they went bust, and my fire gaurd went with it

Lolly · 01-10-2008, 10:35

Havent heard anything else. The website is still up and running though.

jaysay · 01-10-2008, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lolly

Havent heard anything else. The website is still up and running though.

Probably still taking orders and deposites off unsuspecting shoppers

panther · 01-10-2008, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Please don't say that. Ikea stuff is just tat that looks stupid in your home.

Who wants been bags in the living room instead of a sofa and a table a chairs that high you need a stepladder to reach the table?

The build quality is as poor as MFI as well. I built some recently for a friend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

MFI, or IKEA same rubbish, different style, having tried both oer the years,i can say that with confidence, feel fer anyone who loses their job, but as fer the store GOOD RIDDANCE.

Ermmm Excuse me?, I have furniture in my home from ikea and they dont look cheap or tatty or stupid , and i can tell ya now, the furniture has lasted a lot longer than some i have had over the years!!

and its cheap too

you two are just a a pair of old fuddy duddys who prefer plain furniture!

ozzypostie · 01-10-2008, 19:03

still havent heard anything on this though one of my relatives do work at mfi so if i find out anymore ill let you all know.

ive never been to ikea yet and im dying to have the meatballs from there thats something you dont get at mfi lol!

cashman · 01-10-2008, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by panther

you two are just a a pair of old fuddy duddys who prefer plain furniture!

if it makes ya happy panther, you think that.

jaysay · 02-10-2008, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by panther

Ermmm Excuse me?, I have furniture in my home from ikea and they dont look cheap or tatty or stupid , and i can tell ya now, the furniture has lasted a lot longer than some i have had over the years!!

and its cheap too

you two are just a a pair of old fuddy duddys who prefer plain furniture!

Be careful panther, you kick one and we all squeal, us old fuddy duddys, and there's a lot of us on here

West Ender · 07-10-2008, 19:31

I got a letter from MFI today. It is from Gary Favell, CEO of the management of MFI Retail Ltd., who have bought out the company. The letter thanks me for placing an order with MFI and assures me that all orders will be delivered as normal and I will receive my full order in the coming weeks. It doesn't say how many coming weeks.

This is all very good, very polite and reassuring. There's just one small thing wrong. I haven't ordered anything from MFI since I had my kitchen fitted, 6 years ago. I can't wait to see what they send me.

cashman · 07-10-2008, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by West Ender

I got a letter from MFI today. It is from Gary Favell, CEO of the management of MFI Retail Ltd., who have bought out the company. The letter thanks me for placing an order with MFI and assures me that all orders will be delivered as normal and I will receive my full order in the coming weeks. It doesn't say how many coming weeks.

This is all very good, very polite and reassuring. There's just one small thing wrong. I haven't ordered anything from MFI since I had my kitchen fitted, 6 years ago. I can't wait to see what they send me.

well it seems the management that bought it out are on the ball, really inspiring init?