O U R  S T O R Y

The Story of Quaeck's
From Tilsit to Porthmadog

You don't trade for 70 years without creating a story along the way. Ours is filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and ultimately, defines who we are as a family and as a business.
It all starts with Mr. Gerhard Quaeck, who against all odds founded a business in Porthmadog that has stood the test of time.
Scroll down to read more about how Quaeck's was founded, and how the business has evolved over the seven decades it has stood.

Our Story

You don't trade for 70 years without creating a story along the way. Ours is filled with ups and downs and defines us as family and business.

It all starts with Gerhard Quaeck, who against all odds founded a company in Porthmadog that has stood the test of time; a company that has gone on to employ more than 80 people.

Scroll down to read more about Mr. Quaeck's remarkable journey from Tilsit to Porthmadog.

O U R  S T O R Y

The Story of Quaeck's
From Tilsit to Porthmadog

You don't trade for 70 years without creating a story along the way. Ours is filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and ultimately, defines who we are as a family and as a business.
It all starts with Mr. Gerhard Quaeck.
Against all odds he started a business in Porthmadog that has stood the test of time.
Scroll down to read more about how Quaeck's was founded, and how the business has evolved.

Life on the Baltic Sea

Founder Gerhard Quaeck was born in Tilsit, East Prussia in the year 1927. His early life was spent on the family's trading barge, the Tannenburg, moving goods across the Baltic Sea. It was remarked that life was tough and very cold.
See the barge →

Arriving in Wales

After being stationed on Jersey during WWII, Gerhard was kept at a POW camp in Harlech upon the war's conclusion. From there he was sent to the Portmeirion Village where he honed his skills in cabinet-making and furniture repairs.

Settling in Porthmadog

In April 1950 Gerhard started the business, operating from a small workshop on Snowdon Street, Porthmadog. At the time, the business focused on antique repairs and re-upholstery.
Photos of Post-War Porthmadog →

150 High Street

In 1954 the Arvonia Cafe at 150 High Street, Porthmadog was purchased by Gerhard at auction. This was the business' move to retail, selling fabrics, lampshades and braids whilst employing seamstresses to make curtains.
More photos of 150 High Street →

Manufacturing

In a bid to expand the company, a factory was opened in 1972 that went on to employ 45 people. The factory manufactured pine furniture for the shop, as well as other retailers throughout the UK, including John Lewis & Harrods.
Photos from this era →

Mid-70s Recession

Though initially a great success, the factory fell victim to the mid 70s recession, ceasing production in 1976. By the early 80s, the retail side of the business was struggling too. Reluctantly, Gerhard decided to put the shop up for sale.

Difficult Times

It was proving difficult to find a buyer for the premises. Twice it was sold subject to contract, but the sale fell through on both occasions. Fortunately, a buyer was found for the factory, which alleviated some financial strain.

Turning Things Around

Things began to turn around by the late 80s. With no sign of an offer for the premises, and Gerhard's sons discovering a previously undiscovered interest in retail, it was decided to persevere with the shop, though it remained listed.

133 High Street

By 1990 the turn around was complete, and the shop was taken off the market. A property at 133 High Street, conveniently placed across the road, was bought and turned into a furniture shop, which still serves the same purpose today.
More photos of 133 High Street →

Legacy of Employment

Sadly, Gerhard Quaeck passed away in the year 2000. He had become a deeply respected man in the community, having been a resident and businessman in Porthmadog for more than 50 years, employing more than 80 local people.
A few familiar faces →

A New Millenium

Quaeck's refined it's style in the new millennium, selling contemporary, stylish ranges whilst retaining it's traditional stock. This balance is still evident in the shops today, where a delicate blend of modern and nostalgic products are displayed.

70 Years & Counting

We have come a long way since the days of the Snowdon Street workshop, yet our values remain: 
See our products →

Life on the Baltic Sea

Founder Gerhard Quaeck was born in Tilsit, East Prussia in the year 1923. His early life was spent on the family's trading barge, the Tannenburg, moving goods across the Baltic Sea. It was remarked that life was tough.
See the barge →

Arriving in Wales

After being stationed on Jersey during WWII, Gerhard was kept at a POW camp in Harlech upon the war's conclusion. From there he was sent to the Portmeirion Village where he honed his cabinet-making skills.

Settling in Porthmadog

In April 1950 Gerhard started the business, operating from a small workshop on Snowdon Street, Porthmadog. The business focused on antique repairs and re-upholstery; the skills developed at Portmeirion proving useful.
Photos of Pre-War Porthmadog →

150 High Street

In 1954 the Arvonia Cafe at 150 High Street was purchased by Gerhard at auction. This was the business' move to retail, selling fabrics, shades and braids whilst employing seamstresses to make curtains & loose covers.
Photos of 150 High Street →

Move to Manufacturing

In a bid to expand the company, a factory was opened in 1972 that went on to employ 45 people. The factory manufactured pine furniture for the shop, as well as other retailers, including John Lewis & Harrods.
Photos from this era →

Mid-70s Recession

Though initially a success, the factory fell victim to the mid-70s recession, ceasing production in 1976. By the early 80s, the retail side of the business was struggling too. Gerhard was forced to put the shop up for sale.

Difficult Times

It was proving difficult to find a buyer for the premises. Twice it was sold subject to contract, but the sale fell through on both occasions. Fortunately, a buyer was found for the factory, which alleviated some financial strain.

Turning Things Around

Things began to turn around by the late 80s. With no sign of an offer for the premises, and Gerhard's sons discovering a previously undiscovered interest in retail, it was decided to persevere with the shop.

133 High Street

By 1990 the turn around was complete, and the company needed expanding. A property at 133 High Street, conveniently placed across the road, was bought and turned into a large  showroom and furniture shop.
Photos of 133 High Street →

Legacy of Employment

Sadly, Gerhard Quaeck passed away in the year 2000. He had become a deeply respected man in the community, having been a resident and businessman in Porthmadog for more than 50 years, employing more than 80 local people.
Some familiar faces →

The New Millennium

Quaeck's refined it's style in the new millennium, selling contemporary, stylish ranges whilst retaining it's traditional stock. This balance is still evident in the shops today, where a delicate blend of modern and nostalgic products are displayed.

70 Years & Counting

And so here we are today; 70 years & counting.
We have come a long way since the Snowdon Street workshop, yet our values remain intact: 
Quality, Value, Service, Delivery.
View Our Products