Which two big fashion brands have found a new home in Beccles?
Beccles mayor Richard Stubbings cuts the ribbon on the new Burton in Beales Department Store. Picture: Courtesy of Beales - Credit: Courtesy of Beales
In a time of uncertainty for the high street, a Beccles department store has bucked the trend with the addition of two big retail names.
Beccles mayor Richard Stubbings cuts the ribbon on the new Dorothy Perkins in Beales Department Store. Picture: Courtesy of Beales - Credit: Beales
Beales Department Store, on Smallgate, has successfully added two major high street names into its walls - menswear shop Burton and womenswear brand Dorothy Perkins.
Both popular companies have found new homes in the department store, with each having a grand opening on Saturday, November 25.
Beccles mayor Richard Stubbings was given the task of cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the departments, adding to the list of brands already sold under the Beales roof.
David Lewis, store manager, said: “It is fantastic for the town to see new stores coming to the area and making Beccles a real destination shopping experience.
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“Beccles is host to a wide variety of national chains and independent shops, as well as a large number of eateries.
“This mix of shops, I feel gives uniqueness to the town and is bringing people in from far and wide to enjoy the old style charm the town has to offer.”
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The Beccles branch of the department store is just one of 21 Beales locations in the United Kingdom, with another being located on London Road North in Lowestoft.
Founded in 1881 in Bournemouth by John Elmes Beale, the store at one point had more than 25 branches nationally, though a number have since closed.
Mr Lewis added: “Walking around the town it is clear to see that Beccles is a thriving market town with many shop windows dressed for Christmas following the ever popular light switch on.
“In recent years, most high streets have been suffering from an increased number of vacant shops, but Beccles seems to be bucking the trend with retailers making this their location of choice.”
The arrival of Dorothy Perkins to the town in this shape mirrors the company’s presence in Great Yarmouth, where it is also inside a department form.
In November 2016, it was feared the town would be left without one after the collapse of Bhs, however it later found a new home in another historic department store - Palmers.
