The biggest redesign in the 40-year history of a Shrewsbury furniture store has been unveiled as part of a £100,000 investment in the county store.
The redesigned first floor of Alan Ward which now boasts six new departments is now open to customers.
Bosses of the county’s largest independent furniture store on Ennerdale Road said it now meant customers could literally buy everything they needed for their home under one roof.
“This has been a very exciting redevelopment programme for everyone at Alan Ward.
“Our regular customers have been eager to see what changes were being made and the first people to see the finished redesigned store were as excited as we were,” Kathy Lesser, marketing manager at the flagship store said.
“People can come to Alan Ward and now for the first time buy everything from a potato peeler to a full corner group.
“Traditionally people may have thought about Alan Ward as a furniture store but this major redevelopment of our flagship store now means we will be a place for gift shopping and home accessories – the smaller items in the home are equally important as the main pieces of furniture.”
The Alan Ward team brought in London-based interior designer Andrew Durham to lead the project.
The new departments, which have created three new jobs and are expected to create more in the future, means the store now offers lighting, including ranges Dar and David Hunt; a range of clocks, themed accessories including gentleman’s club, country charm and gilt edged glamour, pictures and mirrors and soft furnishings, including cushions and throws.
The store will also be selling limited edition fine art including work by Darren Baker, who has become one of the UK’s most collectable artists since his remarkable portrait of the Queen was unveiled by Princess Anne at Westminster Abbey in 2011, along with work by Fabian Perez.
“This investment in the Shrewsbury store to offer a first class shopping experience shows our commitment to Shrewsbury – our flagship store where of course the Alan Ward brand was launched,” Miss Lesser added.
She said they were particularly proud to offer a new cookshop offering designer cookware from James Martin, Joseph Joseph, Stellar, Judge, Devine Deli, Dartington and Kenwood, along with a clock department offering different styles for all rooms.
