History
It all started with a fiver. That was how much Robert Dyas had to invest in his new business when he emigrated from County Meath in Ireland. The first shop was set up in London in 1872 and by the time of his death at the age of 66 the enterprising Robert had established 18 stores and a strong family business. His sons took over after that, followed by his two grandsons who sadly passed away in 1961 and 2002.
We went on to survive several setbacks, including the economic depression after World War I and the Blitz of World War II, when our Head Office, warehouse and 18 stores were destroyed. In 1997 we lost our Head Office and warehouse again to fire in Croydon. However, in each case the team spirit that typifies the organisation ensured we came back stronger than ever.
Robert Dyas Today
We began as Ironmongers,but today we’re so much more. We are a modern retailer with up-to date systems, people and ideas. We are curious and interested in the new and we scour the world for the latest products and nifty solutions that make homemaking easier. But we are not interested in the flimsy or throwaway. For us, new products must be enduring as well as innovative.
Modern homes can be pretty demanding. There are always a million and one things that need adding, doing or fixing. We realise everyone has a busy life these days- so, whatever you need, we aim to make the process of getting it to you as convenient as possible. Kitchenware, household items, electrical appliances, home office, gardening products, power tools, china, glassware, DIY, ironmongery - we have almost everything that you need for your home, with our own exclusive products and famous brand names such as Brita, Energizer, Karcher, Kenwood, Morphy Richards, Tefal, and Vax, to name just a few. We run our business as shopkeepers, not just shops, offering the new, the rare and the necessary with and the helpful advice and guidance our customers need.
We’re a continually changing and growing modern organisation, but one thing will always remain the same - the value we place on customer service. How have we achieved such a high level of service? By listening to our customers and accommodating their needs by being flexible, personal and thoroughly professional retailers.
Local Stores
We now have 100 stores spread across the South of England varying in size from a large 9,000 sq ft right down to 1,250 sq ft. Assisting the whole operation and looking after our employees is our Head Office in Leatherhead.
Putting the environment 1st with some environmental firsts
Of course, as a responsible company we take our impact on the environment very seriously. We aim to improve our energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and minimize our use of other unnecessary resources. We strive to ensure that our wooden products are sourced from sustainable, well managed forests. We encourage designers and manufacturers to develop and work with new sustainable designs and technologies.
We also help our customers reduce their environmental impact. In 2010 we introduced the first High Street recycling service for energy saver light bulbs. This is the latest in a string of recycling ‘firsts’ for us. Robert Dyas was the first company to offer in-store battery recycling across the whole chain. And we were the first and still remain the largest recycler of Brita water filters in the UK. We continue to support The One Foundation, helping them fund Play Pump systems to provide fresh, clean water for African children and their local communities.
Add this to our ongoing environmental initiatives such as the Refill not Landfill campaign and you’ll see we’re trying to do our bit.
Our Vision for the Future
We know we’ve got something unique to offer. Our popularity and success on the high street is proof of that. The potential is immense and it’s an exciting time for Robert Dyas.
Head Office
For general business enquiries or to speak to a specific Robert Dyas employee, please contact us at Head Office:
By mail: Robert Dyas, Cleeve Court , Cleeve Road , Leatherhead, Surrey , KT22 7SD |
