A POPULAR jewellers which was forced to close for the first time in its 23-year history due to a nearby fire has reopened.
Hollins & Hollinshead had been shut since August 13 when a blaze ripped through a neighbouring unit in the Winsford Cross Shopping Centre.
Despite losing a significant amount of stock and facing having to refurbish severe damage caused by the fire, shop director Peter Hollinshead said re-opening was a 'quick' decision.
And last Saturday, the jewellers was reopened the public by Winsford town councillor Ernie Welch.
Peter added: "We opened our Winsford branch 23 years ago and have successfully traded here ever since.
"We have never been closed in all of that time during normal hours until the fire on the August 13.
"Considering the fire was next door, the damage was immense, a large proportion of our stock was written off, and serious damage was done to the interior of the building.
"However, it did not take us long to make the decision to re-open given the long and happy time we have traded in Winsford.
"Our staff are mostly local and have a great rapport with our customers, and worked very hard to get the business up and running again.
"The precinct has been going through some hard times but I believe it has a great future especially with the redevelopment soon to take place.
"There has been a nationwide resurgence in local shopping, especially when you can take advantage of the free car parking facilities available in Winsford.
"I would like to thank all of our customers for their loyalty, support and patience during the refurbishment – Winsford people are the best.”
The new-look store has had a complete makeover, and the first customers were there to see the ribbon being cut.
"I had the privilege of being invited to officially reopen Hollins & Hollinshead,” said Cllr Welch, the Indepenent councillor for Dene Ward, in which the shopping centre lies.
“Having had to deal with similar issues following a fire in my own business at The Old Star pub, it was good to meet Peter and the team and learn about the superhuman effort they have made to reopen the business in time for Christmas.
"It’s a testament to their dedication and commitment to Winsford, and I wish them lots of luck and a prosperous future."
Sue Lerczak, centre manager of Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, is delighted that Hollins & Hollinshead is back in business.
"We wish every success to their business, the manager Sarah Anderson, and her fabulous team, who I am sure will be busy with the fast-approaching festive season," said Sue.
"Well done for all the hard work to make it happen."
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