Shops delighted as Star turns old Debenhams into furniture store
DERBY'S former Debenhams building is due to reopen at the end of this week as a furniture superstore.
Star Furnishings, of Long Eaton, is moving into the building, which has been empty since October 2008 when Debenhams moved to the Westfield Centre.
It will open to the public on Friday – and neighbouring shop owners are hoping the new store will attract more shoppers to the area.
John Ryder, Star Furnishings managing director, received the keys to the store last Friday, leaving him and his team just seven days to prepare for the opening.
He said: "We have taken a short-term lease on the whole building but we could be here for two or three years until someone comes along to buy it."
A number of developers had expressed an interest in buying the building, which is owned by Westfield, including former Derby County chairman Peter Gadsby and Ilkeston-born Secret Millionaire star Chek Whyte.
But the recession has made investors shy away from large-scale schemes. Westfield is still searching for someone to buy the building.
Star Furnishings started life in 2004, operating from a small shop in Swadlincote before moving to a larger store in Long Eaton 18 months ago.
It specialises in selling furniture produced for major retailers which has become surplus to requirements, including returned stock, cancelled orders and bankrupt stock from firms that have gone bust, such as MFI.
About a quarter of the space on the ground floor in the new store will be taken by Derby discount furniture retailer Silly Sid's, which has its base in Balaclava Road, Pear Tree.
Negotiations are also under way for Star Furnishings to bring in other homeware and furniture retailers, expanding the range of goods on offer to include blinds, carpets, curtains, objets d'art, bespoke furniture and kitchens.
The first floor is likely to be opened over the next few weeks as additional stock is brought in by Star Furnishings and more retailers agree to take space in what Mr Ryder described as a furniture superstore.
He said: "This is still a major stop for buses and transport and our store can help revitalise the area.
"Westfield has been very fair to us to give us the opportunity to use the store – it would be a shame to let this great building go to rack and ruin.
"The superstore will help generate more business for local shops and some of the vacant premises may open up again," he said.
News that the building had a new tenant has been warmly welcomed by neighbouring businesses.
Anthony Hughes, who runs House of Cards in Green Lane, has seen takings halved since Debenhams left and the new Westfield centre opened.
He said: "Any retailer around here would be daft not to welcome it."
Jeweller Janet Field, in Green Lane, said: "It's fantastic to get someone in there and I wish them every success.
"I expect it will increase footfall and it can only be a positive thing for Derby."
5 Comments
by Craig, Chad
Wednesday, June 10 2009, 1:52PM
“Good luck to them - the less empty stores in our lovely city the better. Viva Derby!”
by Christopher, Derby
Wednesday, June 10 2009, 1:20PM
“Tom - Matlock, I agree there are enough such places in Derby. Tom - Sinfin,you are firmly fixed in the 1970s, what you propose was tried over and over in Derby, Main Centre and Duckworth Square being the last to be demolished. Old ideas tried and failed, I am sorry to say!”
by Tom, Sinfin
Wednesday, June 10 2009, 12:16PM
“I think the whole lot should be demolished and replaced with a plaza surrounded by coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Perhaps with an opening roof.”
by Tony, Matlock
Wednesday, June 10 2009, 12:03PM
“Good comment Christopher. I am relieved that yet another nightclub is not going to be inflicted on Derby, the city of my birth.”
by Christopher, Derby
Wednesday, June 10 2009, 9:41AM
“This is excellent news, however I would have preferred a more diverse type of store, such as Tesco to take over the store, I have doubts that a furniture store will attact sufficient business. I do wish the store well and the fact that the building will be lit up and open will bring life back into the whole area. Now all we need is Duckworth Square redeveloped, possibly including an extension to the Colyear Street Multi Storey car park, and a full refurbishment of the Hippodrome - which will bring in hundreds, if not thousands of exta visitors to the area.”