Godfrey Cohen founded the Godfrey group in 1931 during the Depression, back in the days when vacuum cleaners were only sold door-to-door. After dropping out of school at the age of 14, Godfrey sold sewing machines from home. He spotted traded-in vacuum cleaners up for sale in the auction columns and, always on the lookout for new opportunities; he invested two months' pay and purchased 30 vacuum cleaners. Godfrey managed to convince his father to provide him with some window space in the family’s furniture shop. A young Hoover employee saw the vacuum cleaners in the window, and agreed to sell trade-in models to Godfrey - and the business began to grow. It wasn’t long after that Godfrey opened his first store in the Prahran Market in Melbourne and then continued to revolutionize the vacuum cleaner business in Australia. He met his business partner, John Johnston, through a finance company and the two became partners over a handshake. The business grew from strength to strength over the years, and through a business partnership that lasted over 70 years, the Godfreys brand became synonymous with vacuum cleaners. Godfrey Cohen passed away in 2004 and his partner, John Johnston, aged 100, passed away in 2018 after an amazing business career. Today, the legacy of both gentlemen continues following the acquisition of Godfreys in mid-2018 by the Johnston family.

Godfreys stores are Australia’s number one vacuuming and cleaning specialists. With over 200 stores selling their products, there is bound to be a Godfrey store or a retailer selling their products in a location or city near you. All the Godfrey catalogues can be found online, so if you want to make some big savings on floor cleaning products, make sure to keep a close eye on the Godfreys brochures. This way you will always know about every Godfrey's deal when it is out because every Godfreys offer will be published on their website.

Aside from a large range of vacuum cleaners such as bagless vacuums, stick vacuums, or wet vacuums, there are also many bargain prices, promotions, and discounts on steam and shampoo cleaning products, carpet cleaners, and even garment steamers, all available online. Mopping products and cleaning chemicals can also be found here, as a matter of fact, anything to do with cleaning surfaces, you will find at Godfrey's.

The Company is regarded by Australians as the expert in vacuum cleaners and cleaning products, accommodating consumers at all price points. Historically Godfreys’ customers have remained loyal to the business in both good and bad economic times. Godfreys is an integrated business that designs and develops vacuum cleaners, floor care, and other cleaning products, coordinates manufacture, develops brands, advertises, and sells to both wholesale and retail markets. The Company employs approximately 460 permanent employees, with head offices and a company-operated warehouse located in Victoria, Australia. Godfreys’ multichannel offering is distributed via over 200 stores (a mix of company-owned and franchised) located in standalone ‘superstores’, shopping centers, and retail shopping strips in Australia & New Zealand. Godfreys’ products are also distributed through wholesale channels via a range of retail outlets and an online platform. The business grew from strength to strength over the years, and through a business partnership that lasted over 70 years, the Godfreys brand became synonymous with vacuum cleaners. Godfrey Cohen passed away in 2004 and his partner, John Johnston, aged 100, passed away in 2018 after an amazing business career. Today, the legacy of both gentlemen continues following the acquisition of Godfreys in mid-2018 by the Johnston family.