Outdoors chain Charlies to expand business
A home and outdoors chain wants to build a new headquarters and depot in Welshpool after a huge rise in online sales.
Charlies Stores is looking to build a 108,000 sq ft HQ and e-commerce fulfilment centre in the town, safeguarding 67 jobs and providing a base for possible new employment in the future.
The family-run business was founded nearly 30 years ago by Chris Lloyd, starting with two small army surplus stores in Newtown and Welshpool.
But in 1986 Mr Lloyd decided to close the Welshpool store in favour of opening in Aberystwyth, and introduced a broader seasonal product range.
Since then the company has grown extensively and has also opened stores in Shrewsbury, Queensferry and Carmarthen, along with garden and country store Coed-y-Dinas in Welshpool.
The company is now seeing more growth in its online sales, with an 80 per cent year-on-year growth reported this year.
Mr Lloyd said the company now plans to double online turnover in 2016 with the new facilities, which are being supported by the Welsh Government.
He said: "We are lucky enough to be based in the heart of Mid Wales, and have a fantastic team who have all contributed to and driven the growth of Charlies Stores.
"We want to expand the business while remaining in the area and protecting the jobs and employees we have. This exciting opportunity allows us to do this, while also creating new opportunities and jobs for local people."The Welsh Government is supporting our plans by submitting a planning application for land it owns on Offa's Dyke Business Park."
The company employs 194 people in Welshpool and Newtown, and 363 in total.
