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Beales Store to Open in Poole August 2020
On 1st August 2020 the Beales store in Poole is set to reopen its doors as an independent department store.
Under new management, and with a change on emphasis, the store has already attracted interest from local independent retailers looking to take space.
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Tony Brown at New Start 2020 explains: “After the company went into administration earlier this year, new company New Start 2020, took over the lease with a view to reopening the landmark store in Poole.
“We believe that there is plenty of life in the department store concept if it is delivered differently and integrates with 21st century shopping trends including internet shopping and ‘click and collect’. We also still believe that people still want to touch and feel products, and we fully intend to deliver this experience, whilst adhering to the current social distancing guidelines for retail and when customers feel comfortable to do so.”
As part of its five-year plan, the new team is currently working with the national, high-end brands it was known for such as Apricot, which it knows work well for customers, but it has also been delighted with interest from smaller, local independent outlets interested in taking space. As well as delivering fashion and homeware, the store will retain a furniture department and the addition of individual local brands reflecting its ethos of ‘quality and value’ will be a positive step change for the store.
Tony adds: “Smaller brands can see the benefit of taking space in-store to give them high street presence without the overhead commitments of a dedicated shop front. They will also benefit from being part of our online offering. We are looking forward to working with local companies who may not have tried this path before and welcome enquiries from them.”
Ian Girling, Chief Executive at Dorset Chamber said: “Significant investment in the Dolphin Centre by Legal & General in recent years has given the area a welcomed face lift and the store reopening fantastic news for Poole. The site is a very large and the store would have been greatly missed. Its reopening should be celebrated and we look forward to it.” The web site www.beales.co.uk will be live in time for the store opening on August 1. Independent retailers interested in taking space can contact Gavin Lewis at: Gavin. Lewis@beales.co.uk
