Leons Fort Frances

Howarth's was founded by Murray Howarth and Don Sutton in 1950, under the name of "The New Home Appliances LTD." The business began by selling both small and large appliances. In 1957, Murray took over ownership of the business, and in 1960 he moved the store to a much larger location at 515 Portage Avenue, in downtown Fort Frances. Location wasn't the only change, as the business began to operate under the name "Howarth's Home Furnishings", and the inventory was expanded with the addition of furniture. Murray's wife Maxine Howarth gave up her teaching career to work at the store, and as their sons Mark and Monty grew older, they also helped out after school and on weekends. In 1975, the electronics market was growing rapidly, so Murray and Maxine took on the Radio Shack franchise. The business began to operate under the name "Howarth's Radio Shack," and furniture was phased out. When Murray passed away in 1979, Maxine ran the store, with Mark's help. In 1991, Maxine retired and Mark took over the business. Mark expanded the store to 25,000 square feet from 1600 square feet, moving to its present location at 288 Scott Street. The expansion included the addition of furniture back into the inventory, as well as an increase in the stock of computers, electronics, appliances, and a home theatre listening room. The affiliation with Radio Shack was maintained, but the name was changed to Howarth's Home Centre. Through all of the changes that have occurred over the years, the one constant has been service. Howarth's is always striving to discover new ways to serve you, the customer.