Furniture shop Walmsley's on brink of closure four months after relocating its Gloucester store
FURNITURE store Walmsley's is on the verge of collapsing just four months after it relocated its Gloucester store.
The national chain, which has 24 stores, ran into trouble on November 19, falling into the hands of administrators PCR, which is now hunting for a potential buyer.
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ILL-FATED: Walmsley's.
If one isn't found, the furniture store in Westgate Street will close.
It only opened at its new premises in July after moving from Station Road in the hope of picking up more trade.
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But even a blessing from the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, on the day that it opened, wasn't enough to turn around the fate of the store.
Mark Phillips, an administrator at PCR, said: "Unfortunately Walmsley, like so many other retail businesses, suffered from the economic recession that has blighted the British high street.
"We are currently investigating to what extent we will be able to fulfil orders however this is dependent on our ability to acquire stock from third party suppliers.
"I would, however, stress that will take some time for us to assess the situation."
It spells the end of a firm that first opened in 1933.
The company's 110 members of staff will lose their jobs if a buyer isn't found quickly.
The Westgate Street premises have been ill-fated in recent years. Its former occupiers Blacks left and the site lay dormant for a year before Walmsley's moved in.
Gloucester City Council leader councillor Paul James, who cut a ribbon at the opening, said: "It is always disappointing to hear of a store closing.
"I hope that the premises can be filled soon."
Customers with queries about orders should call 01922 704113.
Comments
by davidbrown09
Sunday, December 02 2012, 3:23PM
“Making use of online stores for furniture is very much popular these days as making use of internet is a normal thing because of the available resources. There are a lot of online furniture stores available over the web now who are allowing the users to buy furniture over the web only by sitting at their home by single click. One of a very high quality furniture store can be found at http://tinyurl.com/d9kq86b”
by NibNobs
Sunday, December 02 2012, 11:47AM
“Another pound shop, another phone shop or another overpriced coffee shop as it's replacement no doubt?”
by TheMoanerLisa
Saturday, December 01 2012, 11:49PM
“who wants an outdated furniture shop in the middle of a pedestrianised street ? what a stupid decision. ugly and cheap shopfront selling offensive looking furniture no one wants. another retailer learning the lessons of ignorance of the retail marketplace.”
by Marfellio
Saturday, December 01 2012, 9:44PM
“I worked at Blacks and it only shut in Feb this year, so that store wasn't empty for a year just to get that fact right :) Rubbish location for a store even though its a good size. And the rent there is far too high”
by Walker100
Saturday, December 01 2012, 6:37PM
“Has DFS got a sale on does anyone know?”
by FreeRadical1
Saturday, December 01 2012, 3:03PM
“What? A religious blessing didn't work? I'm stunned. Wasn't God listening?”
by thomas1996
Saturday, December 01 2012, 1:11PM
“People buying large items of furniture these days expect to be able to drive up to the front door and park for free in an out-of-town shopping area, just like they do for electricals, DIY, sports shops etc.
Or they are prepared go out of their way by driving 30+ miles to Bristol to go to IKEA, have a cheap lunch there and 'make a day of it' with the family.
Gone are the days when you ordered furniture and then waited 6-8 weeks for delivery”
by Lecorche
Saturday, December 01 2012, 10:34AM
“No cars allowed. No free parking. No Public Toilets. No Chance.”