Glasswells looks forward to big day!
Glasswells new Ipswich showroom has been 37 weeks in the building and more than four years in the planning. At the start of December this huge 73,000 sq. ft. home furnishings showroom opens its doors to the public. Paul Glasswell, third generation of the Glasswell family in the business, bought the site in June 2007 and building work began in March 2008. Barnes Construction completed the build to a tight schedule, and keys were handed over at the end of October 2008, enabling shop-fitting to begin.
According to Paul, Ipswich now has the chance to see and enjoy the same Glasswells experience that their counterparts in the west of Suffolk have known for years. Whilst Glasswells, the east of England's largest independent home furnishings retailers, has had a presence in Martlesham Heath, the new store dwarfs it in terms of size and product range.
"We regard our store in Martlesham, which we've had for some years, as a pathfinder," explained Paul. "It's become clear that people like Glasswells just as much in the Ipswich area as they do in Bury St Edmunds." "Inevitably, the question is going to be asked as to whether this is the right move in the current economic climate," he adds. "But I'm actually very confident. In Bury St Edmunds, where we have our largest store, bigger even than the one in Ipswich, we have consistently performed over the years, through good times and bad. Of course, we've made a massive investment on Orwell Retail Park in Ipswich, but we regard it as a long term commitment. Whilst clearly we're not in any position to affect the current economic conditions, we will continue to do what we do and what we know works. And do it well," he explained. "There are plenty of people out there who, whilst cautious at the moment, are not necessarily going to be deeply affected by this economic crisis. Our marketplace and our audience are clearly defined and we believe that they will ride out this storm," he said.
Glasswells offers home furnishings across the spectrum and for virtually every room in the house. The emphasis is strongly on stylish design and good quality, which, Paul believes, have an enduring appeal.
"We provide shoppers with choice, and in a warm and welcoming environment. Glasswells shoppers love the fact that we meet them at the door, that they can have a coffee or a delicious lunch in our restaurant, that there are children's play facilities. They like the fact that we take the time to discuss and offer advice. They can visit our Design Centre where they can get qualified advice on how to achieve the look that they want. Not too many other stores can offer that," he said.
Glasswells has indeed been a consistent performer over the years. Established back in 1946 in Bury St Edmunds, it has grown to encompass warehousing and house removals, and become a household name in Suffolk as a result.
Glasswells is planning a series of special events prior to the day of official opening. On the big day itself, at 11 am on Saturday 6th December, Glasswells has organised a spectacular door-opening ceremony featuring children from a local martial arts school. The whole weekend will be given over to special in-store events, with entertainments, music and fun, as well special promotions where customers can win valuable money-off vouchers.
The evening of the 4th December is set aside for Ipswich's business community. Glasswells is organising a special preview evening in conjunction with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, again with music and entertainments. The new general manager of the Ipswich store, Andrea Johnston, is an experienced retailer who has worked for several of the top names in the home furnishings industry.
"Whilst it's been a huge task to get this store ready for opening, it's been a very rewarding one," she explained. "The Glasswells name is well known and respected in the area, and we've had a great deal of interest. More than 1500 people applied for jobs here, and we've appointed more than 100 to staff our new store. We now have a great team in place all of whom are looking forward to meeting our customers in Ipswich."
October 2008.