Ever wondered about the legacy of a family business spanning generations? Right here stands Roomes a testament to enduring entrepreneurial spirit. Roomes Stores began humbly in 1888 a general store on Green Street Upton Park. James Roome a master draper laid the foundation. His store offered everything from haberdashery to homewares clothing even corsets. This wasn’t just a shop it was a community hub.
The Roomes family’s ambition was immense. In 1907 they relocated to Upminster a town poised for growth. James Roome passed away in 1913 His son M B Roome took the reins renaming the business James Roome & Son. This marked a significant turning point. A new store opened on the west side of Station Road Upminster.
The Roomes enterprise expanded. In 1937 after the closure of the Upton Park store the Upminster location was significantly expanded. M B Roome acquired the site at 45-47 Station Road the location of the present-day department store. Additional buildings were bought in 1939 but World War II interrupted plans. This shows how external events can shape even the largest businesses.
Roomes continued to thrive. Throughout the 1990s there was a period of significant reinvestment and development. A new furniture store opened in 2001. The department store underwent a massive refitting. Each sales floor was modernized and the shop front was updated. This demonstrates Roomes’ commitment to adapting and remaining modern.
The story of Roomes isn’t just about furniture and fashion. It’s a story of resilience innovation and family. The Roomes family’s five generations of dedication shaped a retail landmark. The Roomes Fashion and Home store was sold in 2009 to Morleys Stores. However the furniture store continues to be run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Roome family.
Roomes remains a beacon in Upminster. It stands as a reminder of a bygone era of family businesses. A legacy built on “good honest trading” and “excellence of service” as the Hornchurch & Upminster News once described. Today you can see its impressive three-story building. It’s a place where history and modernity intertwine. A place that’s truly unforgettable. Walk through its doors and you’ll feel the past present and the continued legacy of the Roome family.