Bradbeers opens its Salisbury store
The department store's replacing the old Debenhams in Blue Boar Row
A new department store opens for Salisbury this morning (Friday 27th October) - taking over where Debenhams left off.
Bradbeers say they've made 'extensive refurbishments' to the Blue Boar Row unit.
The business has another department stores in Romsey and New Milton, as well as other outlets in Hedge End, and owns the Salisbury building.
The city's MP has also welcomed their arrival - in his latest blog, he's said:
"I am very much looking forward to Friday’s opening of Bradbeers in the former Debenhams building in Blue Boar Row.
"It marks the end of a long road. I first met Greg Davies of Bradbeers in Washington in 2016 and I well remember discussing the future of the Debenhams store site soon after it closed, as they started to consider whether Salisbury would be a good fit for their business.
"Many conversations later, I could not be more delighted that huge amounts of time and effort invested by the store, the local authority, and many others are about to come to fruition.
"Such a large and interesting building in a flagship location deserves to house a prestigious store and, in Bradbeers, I am confident it has a quality custodian capable of raising Salisbury’s reputation as a shopping destination to new heights.
"I wish Bradbeers and their staff the best of luck for their first weekend’s trading and I hope it is the start of a long and successful association with Salisbury."
The store's likely to have concessions areas for well known brands across all their departments.
A restaurant's also been included in the new branch.
The business has been advertising for staff for their Salisbury store across the summer.
Salisbury MP John Glen also says the Bradbeers arrival is 'very welcome' for the city, following the opening of high-profile chains like Primark and Everyman Cinema over the summer.
He's said it's a shot in the arm for Salisbury:
"It takes all types – and sizes- of businesses to make a successful city centre and, with this year’s Small Business Saturday once again on the horizon, I also acknowledge the vital role of our small and specialist traders in giving Salisbury its unique appeal.
"Competition in retail is healthy. The stronger and more varied our offering, the greater the reason for people to come here for their shopping or for a day out – and that benefits everyone.
"The double blows of Novichok and the pandemic hit Salisbury hard, but the retail sector is once again thriving. People want to come to the city centre, but they now do so increasingly, not just to shop, but in search of experiences – to meet friends, eat, drink and be entertained.
"The wise city is one that is prepared to adapt to the changing times and give people the kind of shopping experience and superior customer service they simply cannot find online."