A well-respected family firm is breathing new life into Workington’s Wilko store – which is set to open its doors as a furniture and flooring showroom.
AA Carpets, set up over 30 years ago, has spent five months and £50,000 revamping the former bargain store premises into the AA Carpets & Furnishings showroom, which it hopes will become a destination store and help boost footfall in Workington town centre.
The new showroom features seating, furniture, soft furnishings and flooring.
Adrian Petrie, owner, said the firm had been planning an expansion for a while, but there were no suitable premises in the town centre – but the Wilko store, at 22,000sq ft, gave them enough room to create a light and welcoming space.
He added: “The location is great and we wanted a physical store so people can come in and see the furniture. We definitely want this to become a destination and hopefully it will mean other businesses in the town will benefit – people will stop for a coffee, pop into other shops on the high street.”
The firm’s existing flooring business will move into the new store and its core team of 10 staff will be based there.
Focusing mainly on stocking British-made products, Adrian, general manager Hamish Maclean and manager Cathy Clarke have big plans for the store.
Hamish, who joined AA Carpets last month, said: “It’s all about working together with other independent businesses in the town and surrounding areas. We want to be the best and offer something different; ultimately become a one-stop shop for people who are looking to update their homes.”
Catherine added they were already working with a local interior designer and florist and gift shop Proposals.
Catherine, who has been with the firm for almost four years, said: “There’s so much we can do and we’re already looking ahead. It’s an exciting future for AA Carpets.”
It opens its doors tomorrow, Monday March 18, and will be hosting an opening party on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
