MFI (retailer)

MFI was a British furniture retail chain, founded in 1964 by Noel Lister and Donald Searle as Mullard Furniture Industries. At its peak, it was one of the largest suppliers of fitted kitchens and bedroom furniture in the United Kingdom, operating primarily from out-of-town retail parks.

The company offered a wide range of furniture products, including items for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, and home offices. MFI was particularly known for its self-assembly furniture and catered to different market segments through its brand portfolio. The "Hygena" brand targeted value-conscious consumers, while "Schreiber" appealed to more affluent customers. MFI also marketed its own line of kitchen appliances under the "Diplomat" brand, making it one of the largest suppliers of installed appliances in the UK.

Despite its early success, MFI faced recurring financial difficulties in later years, undergoing multiple changes of ownership. On 26 November 2008, the company entered administration following prolonged trading challenges. Efforts to find a buyer were unsuccessful, and MFI ceased trading by 19 December 2008.