New furniture store for Colwyn Bay's Woolworths site

Dec 2 2010 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

CHRISTMAS shopping has had a boost in Colwyn Bay after one of the town’s largest stores was filled by a new furniture shop.

The old Woolworths on Conway Road closed in January 2009 when the store’s administrators closed all 807 Woolies nationwide.

The Colwyn Bay store was one of 17 stores shut down across North Wales.

Shopkeepers in the town mourned the loss of the store as its wide variety of products and its central spot meant it attracted trade, as well as employing 16 staff.

The new store, At Home Direct, is an independent family-run business selling household furniture and bringing six jobs to the Bay. Rachel Howells is the co-manager and said business already appeared to be booming.

“We’ve had quite a busy week, we’ve had a lot of people coming in and the feedback we’ve had has been positive,” she said.

“The general view is that people are pleased the store is open. Christmas is always a funny time for furniture but we’ve been busy with bedroom furniture. We’ve also had a lot of enquiries – people look now and tend to purchase in the new year.

“We are hoping to be here for a long time.”

Town centre manager Ingrid Lewis said: “It’s a key building and a prime spot in the town, and it’s wonderful to have it occupied by an independent business.

“It will make a difference to Colwyn Bay and is another attraction in the town centre.”