A ROMSEY family-run chain of department and furniture stores has opened a new shop in Salisbury.

Queues of customers turned up for the much-anticipated opening of Bradbeers, in the former Debenhams building in Blue Boar Row.

Beverley Stannard was the first person waiting in the queue. 

She said: "I have been to the one in Romsey. I am a fan. I have been here since 9am but I do only live around the corner. I think it's a really lovely store and when I went to the one in Romsey with my husband, I thought it was really nice. I'm just here to have a good look around." 

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Hampshire Chronicle: The family behind Bradbeers and Salisbury's mayor and MPThe family behind Bradbeers and Salisbury's mayor and MP (Image: Spencer Mulholland and MAB)

Speaking at the opening, on Friday, October 27, Greg Davies, Bradbeers director, said: “It’s finally opened. It’s been a long time coming. Superb to be here today.

“It’s quite emotional looking at our family pictures in the window today. I think people like the family feel and the independence. We have been in business for 185 years.

“We refer to our products as good, better, and best and branded products. We have brought a lot of new brands to Salisbury.

"I project managed this myself and over my 30 years, I have tended to manage a lot of the building work and I actually enjoy it.  I thrive on the pressure. I love the challenge, to be honest.”

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The business was established in 1837 and is known for its association with market-leading brands and its focus on customer service excellence. 

Salisbury residents speculated whether Bradbeers would ever open in the city with the original plan being to open the shop by the end of 2022.

The unit had previously remained empty since Debenhams closed in 2020.

Like the store in Bell Street, Romsey, the Salisbury branch offers womenswear, menswear, shoes, fashion accessories, fragrance, cosmetics and homewares. 

As well as department stores in Romsey and Salisbury, Bradbeers has department and furniture stores in New Milton and another furniture store in Hedge End.

For more go to bradbeers.com/.