After nearly half a century, and stretching three generations of family, Wilsons Carpets has taken the plunge and invested in a new Mansfield based venture, boasting over 16,000 sq ft, which has been filled with one of the towns largest selections of flooring.
The business, which was originally the brainchild of Bill Wilson back in 1968, in the small mining town of Thorne, has now invested in its 14th UK store – The very first Wilsons superstore to based in Nottinghamshire, after Bills grandson decided to follow in his families footsteps.
James Wilson (24), director of the new Mansfield branch, said: “The Wilsons Carpets brand has come a long way since its humble beginnings back in 1968. The first ever store was located in Thorne, South Yorkshire, where my Grandfather packed his small shop with as many rolls of carpet as it would hold!
“The new Mansfield store will be our 14th. After working for the family business sweeping floors after leaving school, I have worked my way up into management. The new store is my own venture under the Wilsons Carpets brand, and I hope to put my own stamp on things here.”
The carpet giant currently has stores in Doncaster, Thorne, Scunthorpe, Rotherham, Barnsley, Pontefract, Gainsborough, Retford, Lincoln, Sheffield, and Hull, with the newest site being one of the largest.
David Bladen, Director of Nottingham based Musson Liggins, acted on behalf of the Landlord, after being contacted by James about the available unit. David Bladen said:
“We have been delighted with the letting to Wilsons. A lot of effort went in to evicting the previous Tenant and simultaneously replacing them with Wilsons on a 10 year Lease.
The effort and considered approach paid off, as my client has increased the value of his investment without losing a day’s rent in the process, and Wilsons have a fantastic space in a great location to trade from.
I have been impressed with James and his colleagues who were not only a pleasure to deal with but have cleared out and refurbished the property (inside and out) in record time and the building now looks fantastic.”
The store which was started with an initial £165k investment, will be based on Great Central Road, off Ratcliffe Gate, in Mansfield, predominantly selling to the domestic market, but as James highlights, private landlords and investors have already made up some of the footfall.
The store will offer carpet, wood flooring, vinyl, rugs and even artificial grass. Attributing the brands success to its no nonsense approach to selling, not indulging in gimmicks, just honest prices, James added: “We have had a great response locally to the new store and the new exterior sign is going up as we speak. The store currently boasts over 100 rolls over carpet and I am proud to say that we are now open for business.”
