Ruffell & Brown, a staple in the blind and drapery business in Greater Victoria for nearly 35 years, has been sold.
Partners Nigel Brown and Debra Ruffell have sold their window fashions and installations business to Peter and Lori Stofko.
The Stofkos acquired the company’s Pacific Rollshutters unit last year from Ruffell and Brown and managing partner Don Beatty.
Brown said the name will remain and the showroom continues at 2745 Bridge St. The 15 employees are being retained in the deal and all of the company’s manufacturing and installation contractors will continue with Ruffell & Brown.
“It’s business as usual,” said Brown.
No purchase price was disclosed. Ruffel, Brown and Beatty will retain ownership of the property. Ruffell and Brown will remain with the Stofkos as consultants through a transition period.
Brown said in an interview the company is coming off one of the best years it’s ever had as the pandemic saw people plow money into their homes.
“We’ve never been busier, so the timing for an exit plan at the height is a win-win,” said Brown. “We couldn’t be happier to have really good new owners to take over brand.”
Brown said his partners have been in discussions with Peter and Lori Stofko for more than a year.
Ruffell, 65, and Brown, 67, started the business in the basement of a condo building at Bay and Shakespeare streets in May 1987, making window coverings for apartment buildings.
Over the years, the partners grew their markets to include custom window coverings for residential, commercial and institutional buildings, including resorts and hotels, to become one of Canada’s largest independently owned decorating stores.
