Charlies Stores invests £5.5m in new Welshpool HQ

Charlies Stores Ltd, the home, garden and great outdoors retail and wholesale operator, has officially opened its new head office and warehousing facility at Offa’s Dyke Business Park following the investment supported by Barclays.

The 102,000 square foot facility will consolidate seven existing warehousing and fragmented office locations into the purpose-built unit with capacity for significant business growth.

Employing over 400 staff across eight retail stores, including in Shrewsbury, the firm said it plans to opens a further four stores and expand its E-commerce business over the next six years.

Rebecca Lloyd, Charlies Stores Ltd company director, said: “We are an independent family-owned business, passionate about our Mid Wales heritage. My dad Chris bought the business back in the early eighties while working at Charlies when it was an army surplus store based in Newtown. Thirty years later we now have a £46 million turnover business employing over 400 staff.

“The fantastic new premises are integral to the continued success of the business. Over the next six years we plan to open a further four stores and expand our E-commerce business. Currently 25 per cent of our online sales are generated from inside the M25 so we know there is a large opportunity to capitalise on our E-commerce service and pricing strategy across the UK.

"Running a business is tough as the responsibility for the expansion and success of the business can sometimes weigh heavy when other people’s livelihoods depend on my decisions, but the flexibility to make those decisions and making lifelong friends along the way make it all worthwhile.”

Paul Ffoulkes, Barclays relationship director, said: “Barclays is committed to using our industry expertise and specialists to support such propositions, which are vital to a prosperous economy. By working in partnership with our client, Barclays has been able to provide innovative solutions to support Charlies Stores both financially and professionally throughout the relocation and expansion.

"Investment in the new premises demonstrates both Barclays and the management team’s confidence in the potential growth and success of the business.”