Beales in Hexham, Northumberland has announced it will re-open with a new format after a re-fit. The department store – previously known as Robb’s – has been a central part of the town’s retail fabric since William Robb established the original business in 1818. The store was due to close permanently last Saturday (September 21).
Its new format will take up a smaller space and include an expanded homewares offering as well as accommodating outlets for home and fashion brands and continuing to house the town’s Post Office.
Quoted in the Hexham Courant, Beales’ ceo Tony Brown confirmed that the store is keen to remain in Hexham but that operating costs had been “ simply too high to make a profit.” He explained: “we have come to an arrangement with the landlord and Northumberland County Council to allow us to stay open.”
The new format will continue until the redevelopment of the store’s site takes place by its landlord. Beales has said it hopes to be part of the long-term redevelopment plan.
Top: Beales in Hexham held several months of ‘closing down’ sales.
