The region is recognised for its joinery and textile skills (Russell Dean itself is built on the site of a former cotton mill) and has a rich heritage of fine furniture making. The area is home to distinguished British upholstery makers Vale-Bridgecraft.

Like many other businesses in the community, the Russell Dean store suffered water damage when the River Calder burst its banks during the floods of 2012. The business saw this as an opportunity to refurbish the store and after two months of hard work the showrooms were transformed. 

Unfortunately the store was flooded again on Boxing Day 2015, this time the water was even deeper inside the store with the shop floor badly affected. Following two serious floods the business had to think seriously about the future of the store. Wanting to commit to the success of Mytholmroyd and future proof the store against any further flooding, the decision was made to demolish the existing building and completely rebuild a bigger and better store. 

With a multimillion-pound investment, the new eco-friendly building is designed to be more resilient, raised up with a car park at ground level and two storeys of shop floor above.  Russell Dean reopened in spring 2018 and is thrilled to welcome customers old and new.