About Us

Early Days

Stoneman & Bowker Ltd. was founded in 1965 as a carpet retailer in Sidwell Street, Exeter by Bruce Stoneman and George Bowker, who had been colleagues in the Post Office. We soon expanded into larger premises in the same street, next to the Odeon cinema. We then diversified into furniture, beds and curtains, with Bruce’s younger brother, Martin Stoneman joining the fold. Over the years we acquired a reputation for our extensive range of quality British brands, high levels of customer service and keen pricing, considered by many to be the premier house furnishers in the wider Exeter area. To this day customers regularly recount memories browsing the maze-like showrooms arranged over four floors, and speak fondly of their dealings with Bruce, George or Martin over many years. Stoneman & Bowker Carpets, around the corner in Summerland Street, was added as a dedicated carpet, flooring and rug store, to allow the main store more space to specialise in furniture.

Relocation

In 2011 the store relocated to a large site on Marsh Barton Trading Estate, bringing all departments back under one roof again. In 2020, various factors forced a move once again. During the Covid-19 Lockdowns, a difficult time for many, the tough but necessary decision was made to slimline the operation, with the flooring and soft furnishing departments unfortunately being discontinued.

Present Day

Stoneman & Bowker Furniture Store is now based on Liverton Business Park in the nearby seaside town of Exmouth. We specialize in quality British upholstery brands, such as Parker Knoll and G Plan, offering the largest selection of both in the South West, as well Tetrad, Alstons, Celebrity and others. Complemented by a hand-picked selection of dining and living room cabinets, bedroom furniture, beds and mattresses. All at unbeatable prices and with the personal service from experienced and knowledgeable staff the company has always been known for. Now one of the South West’s longest established furniture retailers, Stoneman & Bowker is proud to still be independently owned and operated by the Stoneman family.