Member Article

Furniture Retailer Unlocking Investment and Employment in Sunderland

A North East furniture retailer is unlocking investment and employment opportunities on Wearside.

Michael O’Connor Furniture Group is ploughing £50,000 into refurbishing its store in Holmeside, Sunderland, which will lead to the workforce increasing by 60 percent.

The new look store, which will open on December 27, will be renamed Home Interiors to reflect its wider product range and broader customer appeal.

The store is committed to making an economic contribution to the area and is using local suppliers during the outlet’s refurbishment including contractors from the Sunderland and Washington areas.

The makeover will include opening up the fourth floor and basement, previously used for storage, as retail space.

One floor will become dedicated to furnishings and ornaments aimed at the first time buyer market.

Alongside contemporary and modern furnishings, the store will continue to stock traditional brands and ranges such as Bridgecraft and G Plan.

The Philip Thursby carpet concession will continue to have a presence in the store.

Rob Stevens, Joint Managing Director, said: “The investment demonstrates our commitment to Sunderland and our resolve to meet changing customer aspirations and retail trends.

“The refurbishment, which will lead to the creation of three new jobs, will mean that we are using the available space to its full potential with the new-look store having a more contemporary feel with an enhanced product offering.

However, one thing that will not change is the personal touch and quality service that we offer to customers.

“As a firm of longstanding in the area, we are proud to be part of the Wearside business community and look forward to welcoming customers old and new to the store.”

Consideration is being given to opening a cafe in the premises to give customers the opportunity to relax while browsing the store’s extended collections.

In preparation for the makeover, the Michael O’Connor store is holding a sale, during which there will be a £1.5million clearance of stock.

It is due to close at the end of the month with its new look and Home Interiors branding being unveiled on December 27. A private sale viewing is being held on Wednesday and Thursday (November 7 and 8) with invitations going out to existing customers with the public sale starting on Friday (November 9).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .