Former Woolworths plot in Abergele to reopen

Bennetts Interiors, founded in Llandudno in 2019 by couple Graham Bennett and Ellen Worstencroft, have acquired and refurnished the site, ready for an opening day this Saturday (March 19).

The site had remained closed since Woolworths closed in 2009, which saw the eventual demise of the whole corporation and the closure of more than 800 stores nationwide.

Now the site has been revitalised, and the high street with it, as the local success story Bennetts Interiors move in, having used social media (chiefly Facebook and Instagram) to their advantage thus far.

Bennetts are originally from Llandudno, but are now based in Colwyn Bay

The store in Abergele will mark their first expansion project, having moved to their current home in the West End of Colwyn Bay at the end of 2020.

Co-owner and Director of Operations Ms Worstencroft said: “When we started in Llandudno there was no passing trade and it wasn’t really working for us.

“Over the last year, year and a half we built up and had the chance to expand, but we weren’t able to fit a lot of furniture and items in our West End store because of its size.”

The move to Abergele shows the quick progress the business has made, and the new spot offers a lot of potential for further growth.

The new interior, ready to open on Saturday, 19 March

Ms Worstencroft said of the new plot: “The place in Abergele is a lot bigger than what we have now, a bigger space.

“It’s an impressive spot – passing trade is going to be great, we are right on the traffic lights and we spend a lot of time on window displays, so it can only benefit.

“There is more of a community feel in Abergele, we’ve already been welcomed really well by the community despite not opening yet.

“We are hoping to replicate the success we have had in Colwyn Bay.”

Most pertinently among their motivations, however, is the sentimental value the Abergele store has, with family ties an important factor in selecting Abergele.

Another shot of the interior of the store

Commenting on the family connection, Ms Worstencroft said: “There is a sentimental reason for the move to Abergele.

“My taid [grandfather] lived there for 35 years, and I always used to visit him and have fond memories of the place.

“We are also trying to honour my father-in-law, Steve Bennett, who was always really proud and supportive of us and unfortunately passed away in November last year.”

Looking ahead to the future, the business would like to continue expanding, with Chester earmarked for a potential future expansion.

The Bennetts Interiors expansion follows other business opening news in the region, with Marks & Spencer opening their new store in Llandudno, while Aldi shelved plans for a new store in Prestatyn.

For more information on Bennett Interiors, visit https://bennettsinteriors.co.uk/.