Alvic Sliding Wardrobes: we meet the husband and wife team
Elise Hendry gets acquainted with Allan and Victoria from Alvic Sliding Wardrobes
Tucked away in the village of Crosslee, Houston sits a humble old mill nestled by trees. Its worn walls murmur stories of its history, while the air is filled with the soft hum of craftsmanship. The building was once a relic of the past, but it has since taken on new meaning and purpose.
Allan and Victoria of Alvic Sliding Wardrobes have lovingly transformed the building into the beating heart of their business. A mill once filled by machines that over time produced all sorts like thread, guncotton and umbrellas, now exudes innovation as Alvic’s perfect showroom.
Photo by David Brett Warren
Alvic – a clever mashup of their first names – symbolises something very important in their business: the seamless partnership that they have built, not just between themselves, but also with their clients.
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Being a couple certainly does not define their success, but it adds a level of feeling and sentiment to the products and services that they provide. It allows them to breezily communicate through any issues that may arise.
Victoria added, “We sort them out between us.” Victoria and Allan care deeply about the work that they produce for their clients and try not to get too hung up about interactions that bring them down, as they know they can only go up from here.
Photo by David Brett Warren
Allan and Victoria established their company in 2012 and cover almost the whole of the West of Scotland. Ever since then, they have strived to deliver flawless service to their local community and their journey to success is certainly one for the books.
The pair made friends with a couple that owned a wardrobe company of their own in England. With Allan coming from a background of joinery and Victoria working part time in logistics, this was a lightbulb moment for them.
Photo by David Brett Warren
Initially, their friends from England became their wardrobe suppliers but it wasn’t long until they decided to manufacture their products locally. “We can do anything bespoke now.” Allan added.
Their workshop is just over the other side of Houston from their showroom, encapsulating how locality is vital to their operation. They are proud living wage employers and value every member of their fitting team and staff; it’s as though they’ve built a little community of their own that are devoted to making every customer’s dream come true.
Photo by David Brett Warren
When asked what it’s like to compete with other companies in their trade, Victoria said, “Comparison is the thief of joy… the bigger companies don’t offer the same services that we offer.”
There really is no need to compare, as you get the full works with the couple – Allan goes out to measure spaces and design the perfect product, while Victoria delivers peak personal service in the showroom. Client reviews on their website tell you exactly why Alvic is set apart from the rest; their work is intricate, reliable and first class.
Some people are surprised when they find out that Allan and Victoria are the owners. Allan recalled a moment with a client who assumed he just worked for the company, he said: “We are Alvic, that’s our business, but it’s nice when people go ‘oh! It’s you!’”
Photo by David Brett Warren
Heartwarming moments like this are what remind Allan and Victoria why they are so committed to their business.
Before their beloved mill showroom, they had a premises in Johnstone that brought them some unfortunate struggles. Across four years, the showroom suffered three floods and a fire.
When remembering the mess that was left after the fire, Victoria added: “Everything was just gone.”
Photo by David Brett Warren
Of course, after each tragic destruction of their hard work, they had to rebuild again and again. In the end, this wasn’t sustainable and when they saw the former mill site on offer, they fell in love with it and took a leap of faith. When asked if the new showroom has served them better, the couple replied in perfect unison: “Yeah, much better.”
Allan and Victoria are extremely enthusiastic about their business and pour passion into every project they undertake; their attention to detail and high-quality, reliable service is what keeps customers coming back.
For them, it isn’t just about wardrobes, it’s about creating a space that suits their clients every need. They have an unwavering dedication to their craft and have successfully turned ‘Alvic’ into a symbol of trust, passion, reliability and outstanding service.
Alvic Sliding Wardrobes, Suite 1, The Old Mill, Houston Road, Crosslee, Houston, PA6 7AW, 01505 614419, visit the website.