Matt Renaut MD of Dacombes of Wimborne with Steve Holman and Gary Holman
Two of Wimborne’s longest running independent family-run businesses have joined forces in a landmark merger. Holmans of Wimborne, established in 1948, is relocating to the multi- award winning Dacombes of Wimborne, founded over a century ago.
Together, the merger represents nearly 180 years of trusted local trading, creating what is now the most dynamic, independent electrical retailer in Dorset, based at Dacombes of Wimborne state-of-the-art showroom on Leigh Road.
“The coming together of these two historic companies means that customers will now enjoy unrivalled choice, service and expertise under one roof,” said Gary Holman, Executive Director of Holmans of Wimborne.
Matt Renaut, Managing Director of Dacombes of Wimborne commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the Holmans name – and many of the familiar faces – into our business.
“Employing some of the Holmans staff was key to ensuring the same great service continues as part of the Dacombes family. It will enhance our existing reputation in offering the best personal service, installation expertise and home delivery when it comes to buying anything home electrical.”
Dacombes of Wimborne began life as E.T. Dacombe & Son, founded by Edwin Thomas Dacombe in 1920 and established itself in the Corn Market. The shop sold prams, bicycles, motor bikes and charged accumulators. With the advent of television in the 1950’s, the business began to rent and sell television sets and still offers a rental service today.
Over the decades, Dacombes expanded into domestic appliances, joined the international Euronics group and took over another Euronics dealer and family business in the town – Brian Dryden, taking on all its staff. In 2017, it opened its 5,000 sq.ft destination showroom on Leigh Road, complete with home cinema, kitchen showroom and a vast range of domestic appliances.
Holmans was founded in 1948, as Holman Radio, by William Holman, charging accumulators and selling wireless receivers, the technology of which was to leave a lasting impact on the evolution of radio communication equipment as we know it today. Today, brothers Gary and Steve Holman continue their grandfather’s legacy from King Street.
Steve Holman commented: “Although products and technology have changed, both businesses share the same ethos: friendly service, knowledgeable staff, and competitive prices in store and online.”
Matt Renaut added: “From helping customers purchase the right appliance through to installation and technical support – we offer it all. There’s no robotic, hard-to-reach call centre – we provide everything in person.”
