A Merseyside department store has announced its closure, just three years after it reopened to crowds.
Beales Department Store, on Lord Street, in Southport reopened in 2021 and hundreds of shoppers queued outside to be among the first to get in. The first 150 shoppers were given vouchers of up to £200 each to be spent across the three floors of retail.
The reopening came after Beales collapsed into administration and failed to find a last-minute buyer in 2020. However some time later a new company, New Start 2020, purchased the Beales IP address and brand and hired Tony Brown, chief executive of the old business, to reopen the store.
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Tony Brown previously told the ECHO: “This is a new concept for Beales, one which we have launched in our stores in Poole and Peterborough where it has proved to be really successful. Around 90% of the new store will be concessions, and we have some exciting brands coming in.
“We had a queue of brands wanting to come to Southport, which is really positive. We have most of them already signed up, but are looking for a furniture concession to join us.
“We will try to offer a different experience to shoppers while also providing something for different age profiles. One concession joining us will be Forever New, a very popular Australian brand, which is really exciting for us.
“We will have the biggest footwear outlet in Southport, and will also open a new chiropody shop and treatment rooms with state of the art equipment. In Time watch repairs, which is based in Southport, will also have a section here.”
The building had been home to a department store for the past 132 years, with the building carrying signs saying “Beales, formerly Broadbents & Boothroyds”. A closing down sale is now taking place.
Commenting on the news of the closure on Beales Facebook page, one person said: “So sad I hope all the staff get another job soon.”
Another added: “Very sad news. A great company to work with. Really hoped it would work for you all.” While a third commented: “Sad News.. but I’m not surprised… It’s hardly busy.. and cash only at the tills doesn’t help!”