Business, Wimborne | Posted on November 27th, 2025 | return to news

Two Wimborne family businesses to join forces

Two of Wimborne’s longest-running independent family-run businesses, Holmans and Dacombes, have announced a merger.

Two long-running family businesses based in Wimborne Minster have decided to join forces and merge together.

Electrical retailer Holmans of Wimborne, established in 1948, is relocating to Dacombes of Wimborne, founded over a century ago.

The merger represents nearly 180 years of local trading and creates a large, independent electrical retailer based at the showroom on Leigh Road.

Gary Holman, executive director of Holmans of Wimborne, said: “The coming together of these two historic companies means that customers will now enjoy unrivalled choice, service and expertise under one roof.”

Matt Renaut, managing director of Dacombes of Wimborne, added: “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 as E.T. Dacombe & Son, founded by Edwin Thomas Dacombe in 1920 and based in the Corn Market. The shop sold prams, bicycles, motorbikes and charged accumulators. With the advent of television in the 1950s, the business began to rent and sell television sets and still offers a rental service today. The retailer 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 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. 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.”

As a result of the merger, the Holmans shop at King Street is offering a relocation sale of all its stock until the end of December, giving customers a chance to grab a bargain before the move.