Margate Furnishers closes after 68 years

For nearly seven decades, a little furniture shop on the South Coast quietly became part of the fabric of Margate life.

Now, after 68 years of serving generations of customers, Margate Furnishers will soon close its doors.

What began in 1958 in the heart of Margate’s CBD grew into one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks after relocating to the old farmhouse building on the R102 in the 1950s.

Over the years, the sturdy three-storey building survived floods, economic downturns and the rapid rise of online shopping – standing as a reminder of a different era of business, where customers were greeted by name and conversations mattered just as much as sales.

Founded by John Weary, the business changed hands in the mid-1980s when brothers David and Martin Halle took ownership.

David, born in Pietermaritzburg in 1941, attended Maritzburg College before building a career shaped by hospitality, strong people skills and a lifelong love of horses.

After moving to the South Coast with his wife, Mary, he helped turn Margate Furnishers into a respected family-run business known for its personal touch and loyal customer base. When he married Mary, he became a much-loved father figure and close friend to stepsons Mark, Ian and Craig Adendorff.

David retired in 2019, the same year Mary died. He handed over his share to Jean-René (JR) Sulon.

David, a respected conservationist and well-known figure in the community, died three years later at the age of 80.

In 2006, Mark bought Martin Halle’s share of the business, eventually forming a close working partnership with JR.

Having left behind the fast-paced pressures of the corporate sector in Gauteng, Mark and JR found comfort in the laid-back lifestyle of the South Coast.

Between them, the pair brought decades of corporate banking experience into the furniture trade, but say it was never about competing with larger retailers.

“People came back for the good quality furniture, the friendly service, the after-sales service and because they could deal with real people,” said Mark.

For many customers, Margate Furnishers was more than just a shop. It became a place to browse, catch up and share stories with the small team of staff. Holidaymakers returned year after year, while many retired residents became familiar faces.

Mark and JR remained hands-on owners throughout the years, personally carrying and delivering furniture – sometimes in pouring rain or after closing time on a Saturday afternoon.

The pair said the decision to retire was not made lightly, but they want to enjoy the South Coast lifestyle while they are still fit and healthy.

“I loved the people we met and the friends we made over the years. I’m going to miss that, and I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to do all day,” Mark laughed, who has run Comrades a few times, completed Iron Man, and has a list of other sporting accomplishments under his belt.

JR, who loves a good game of squash and tennis, has a string of degrees and qualifications in philosophy and risk management, plans to write a book or three.

As the doors prepare to close, both men say they leave with gratitude for the memories, friendships, and unwavering support from customers who became like family.

“Come say goodbye, and hunt for a good bargain,” chuckled Mark.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram