MFI looks set to return to the interiors market on 30 November, almost exactly three years since the demise of the chain. However doubts have been expressed about its success.

After its final collapse on 26 November 2008, the brand was bought by plumbing and kitchen firm Walker Group last August for £250,000 which quickly set up a holding page at mfi.co.uk.

Now the page says: 'It's time for change. We're changing the way to shop for stylish, high quality furniture. We're making it easy. We're making it affordable and we're delivering it with first class customer service. See more here in the coming weeks.'

A spokesman for the company's PR agency, Threadneedle Communications said it had no 'information on the launch yet; it is a little early. However, I would suggest you make a diary note for the 30th November.'

The company has also set up Faceboook and Twitter accounts.

The retailer, for many years the country's largest furniture retailer, is likely to be an online operation only – building on the experience of the Walker Group's plumbing and kitchen subsidiaries, including Walker Modular which has a 220,000sqft manufacturing facility in Hull.

Matt Walton, Verdict Research retail analyst cast doubt on the success of a relaunched MFI.

'The Walker Group faces a number of challenges in making this re-launch a success. Firstly, the furniture market is currently very difficult with a more constrained customer being far more cautious about making big ticket, discretionary purchases.

'Selling furniture online has yet to take off as customers remain cautious about making such large purchases online and the lack of tangibility discourages shoppers, as many wanting to gauge its dimensions and feel before buying.

'Finally, with many customers losing large amounts of money following its initial exit in 2008, public perception of the MFI brand will be very poor. The Walker Group will have to work hard to re-establish its brand image. While the retailer is able to utilise the infrastructure it has with Victoria Plumb, making this new venture a success will be very tough.'

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