The arrival of a new store at a shopping centre in Wrexham is a step in the right direction for the local economy.
The Clarks shoe shop at Eagles Meadow was officially opened by the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Alan Edwards, who flagged up the importance of the retail sector to the town.
Cllr Edwards was accompanied by his wife, Glenys, the Mayoress, as he cut the red ribbon.
Warrington businessman John Taylor and his daughter, Sarah, have opened their latest Clarks franchise at the popular shopping centre and say they are delighted with their new store.
Cllr Edwards said: “It’s a lovely shop and a really good addition to the retail offer here at Eagles Meadow. It’s wonderful to see established brands such as Clarks opening new, modern, bright smart shops in the town.
“The retail sector is vitally important to Wrexham’s economy and quality shops such as this new Clarks branch are very important. Eagles Meadow is now firmly established as the very heart of the town’s retail offer.”
He added: “I was really pleased to be asked to open the new Clarks shop and although delighted to accept the offer, I was a little worried about the Mayoress spending too much time in a shoe shop, especially one as nice as this!”
John Taylor says the Eagles Meadow store is the family business’ seventh Clarks franchise store.
He said: “As a family firm we have been in the shoe business a long time. Sarah, my daughter, is the seventh generation to be involved in the trade. In fact we used to make our own shoes at one time, many, many years ago, before becoming one of Clarks’ longest serving franchises.
“We also have stores in Warrington, Chorley, Stockton Heath, Widnes, Rhyl and Colwyn Bay. We previously had our shop in regent Street in Wrexham but the lease was coming to an end and we had to make a decision.
“The opportunity to have a brand new, modern and well-fitted shop here at Eagles Meadow was too good an opportunity to miss.
“We are delighted with the shop-fit. I think we have a really modern and attractive store and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the start we have had insofar as trading goes.”
He added: “I’m also really pleased the mayor of Wrexham and the Mayoress agreed to come along and declare our new franchise officially open. It was a pleasure to welcome them and show them what we are trying to do.”
Sarah Taylor says the store is employing more weekend part-time staff and may have to look at recruiting more full-time staff in the months ahead.
She said: “The shoe trade is a little different than many retail businesses as summer is, in a way, our Christmas. Families are getting ready for the back-to-school rush so traditionally, that tends to be our busiest period.
“However, we will look carefully at our staffing needs in the weeks ahead but I have to say I’m so pleased with how the shop-fit looks and the start to trading we have had. It’s certainly been a excellent start and our customers have given very positive feedback.”
The new store’s manager, Lynn Valance, of Wrexham, is really pleased with the feel of the store and the response from established Clarks’ customers.
Lynn, who has been with the family firm’s franchise for four years as store manager, said: “It really is a lovely looking and very modern shoe shop. At the present time we have 13 full and part-time staff and, as Sarah has said, we might have to look at increasing that number.
“It has certainly been a busy start to trading and everyone is very positive with regard to the store’s future and it’s undoubted potential.”
Eagle Meadow manager Kevin Critchley says the new Clarks franchise store fits in really well with existing shops and businesses at the centre.
He said: “It really is an excellent store that has undergone a fabulous shop-fit. The shop looks fabulous and has really added to the look and feel of the Eagles Meadow plaza.
“I’m sure Clarks will quickly become an established and important asset to the retail experience here at Eagles Meadow and I’m delighted to welcome John Taylor and his family business to the site.
“It’s another jewel that has been added to the town’s retail crown. Customers can come to Eagles Meadow and shop in a relaxed, friendly and above all safe shopping environment.”
