George Knowles Sr, Sterling Home founder has died. He was 96.
He died on 20 February. He is widely credited with importing the concept of out-of-town shopping from the US to the UK
We’re very sorry to share that our grandfather, George Smith Knowles Sr, passed away early this morning. Many of you will have known him personally or worked with him over the years, so we know this news will mean a great deal to many across the business, not just to us as a family,’ says statement from his grandchildren Murray, Euan and George, all Sterling Furniture Group directors.
‘Retail was in his blood. His grandfather founded Knowles House Furnishers, where he later took over from his father, and in 1974 he started Sterling, gradually stepping back from the old business as the new one grew.
‘From those early days in Tillicoultry, he built something that became part of communities across Scotland. In the late 1980s he handed leadership to his son George and, after his sad passing in the early 2000s, the business continued through the next generation of the family, including his daughter Lesley Graham and those of us who followed. That continuity always meant a great deal to him.
‘Those who worked with him will remember him exactly as he was. Straight talking, sometimes blunt, always determined, and deeply caring about people. Many will also remember the unmistakable sound of him clearing his throat somewhere in the building, the early warning that he was on his way and you’d better know your numbers.
‘We know the business has gone through a lot of change, and retail is evolving faster than it ever has. We haven’t always got everything right, and we won’t pretend we always will, but we have a great business here because of the people in it. We’re determined to do him proud, and we can only do that because of all of you.
‘Thank you for the kindness and support many of you have already shown our family. It means a great deal.’
Image: Tillicoultry in 1973. Knowles is widely credited with importing the concept of out-of-town shopping from the US to the UK
