Monday 22nd October 2012
Despite the continued grim economic forecast, Chesterfield is still seen as a vibrant and viable centre for retail outlets.
Hawkshead's Store Manager Andy Carr entertains outside the store on it's official opening this weekend.
That's the verdict of one nationwide outdoor clothing chain that opened its doors to the Chesterfield shoppers recently - and had its official launch at the weekend.
Hawkshead have 17 outlets throughout the country and say that they are delighted to be in the town, and to be opening one of the first two stores in 5 years in the area.
Melanie Verby, Retail Support Manager for the chain, told The Chesterfield Post that they felt Chesterfield was the right place to be for them and research had cemented that, "It's an important time. We bought it as a company 4 years ago and this is a whole new concept for Hawkshead, the stores in Chesterfield and Buxton are a whole new look and have brought all brands under one roof, so we're offering a great range of quality for the whole family.
"Chesterfield is an ideal place, situated near the Peak District - just looking out and seeing how many people are around today - and driving here from Buxton, it's such a beautiful place! Chesterfield is a gorgeous traditional place, English, and everything that we are as a company. Being here wants you to get out and about as it's so beautiful here - you're so motivated, we're really happy to be here."
She added that the market research had, "indicated that Chesterfield was somewhere we wanted to be. Yes, we have competition, but we're fresher and we knew it would work. When the 'powers that be came' here to do a recce, we knew it was somewhere we needed to be. We had to fight for it but we did it! This and Buxton are the first shops we've opened in 5 years and in this climate we're in, it's good."
Andy Carr is the Manager of the store and also performed outside for customers (pictured above). He is thrilled with the response they've had so far and hoped that the store will support and encourage the local economy too, "It's a brilliant day today, we're really excited about it. There are lots of customers and lots of good feedback. People like the store and think it's good for Chesterfield. Weire hoping that our trade will help the market too - we have a good rapport with them already.
"We have created 5 jobs and have a really good team. It's the right place to be, whichever way you go, you're surrounded by lovely countryside."
Given the change in weather. unsurprisingly he says that, "So far, winter coats and the micro fleeces have been the best sellers."
Prior to the launch, the store had run a competition and the winner of that was on hand to collect his prize - the chance to fill a rucksack with goods from the store in one minute.
Timothy Kay, from Bolsover, (above) was the lucky winner and he was excited and overwhelmed by the experience, "I have a huge task ahead of me, it's exciting but it doesn't feel right getting something for nothing as I'm not used to it!
"Andy (Carr) phoned me up at home and I thought it was a wind up! I really thought it was a prank. I don't know how possible it is to fill a rucksack in a minute, so we'll see what happens.
"I haven't won anything since I was 5 and I'm 61 now! I won a tin of toffees when I was 5 at school for a wining a dance competition. I took them to school and gave them my girlfriend!"
A Chesterfield lad, Mr Kay agreed that the store would be a welcome addition to the town's High Street, "It's brilliant here. We had a similar thing in Yeomans here, but that's gone now, so it's nice - and with the Derbyshire moors, there's everything you need here."
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