To mark the official re-opening, members of 'Inspieration, Friends of Boscombe Pier', who have actively supported and promoted the pier and its surroundings since 2008, joined Wilkinsons' head of retail, Simon Hathway and store manager, David Curtis, in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
As part of Wilkinsons' commitment to the local community, David then presented the Chairman of Inspieration, John Amos, with a cheque for £500 to help go towards the cost of the ongoing running of the pier and fundraising events, such as a PA system to use for events on the pier, and public liability insurance to enable the charity to continue their work.
To celebrate the new look store, committee members from 'Inspieration' hosted a number of fun seaside themed games for customers, with the first 100 participants receiving a stick of tasty traditional rock, as well as entry into a prize draw to receive a meal for two at Reefside Diner on Boscombe Pier.
Throughout the day, shoppers flooded through the doors to take advantage of re-opening day offers. Particularly popular were the new home living and gardening aisles, as shoppers were excited to see the new larger layout and get their hands on the brand new products. Representatives from Anthony Nolan, Wilkinsons' charity of the year, hosted a raffle at the event to win a hamper of products from the ranges, including gardening gloves and equipment, flower seeds, cushions and throws. A total of £106 was raised for the charity, which helps match leukaemia patients with donors within the region.
The entertainment continued on Saturday 2nd April, when Wilkinsons hosted a family fun day, where a face painter entertained children, transforming them into a range of seaside creatures and characters. As an extra treat and to coincide with Mother's Day on 3rd April, all shoppers who purchased a Mother's Day card between 8:30am and 12 noon were also entered into a prize draw, and one lucky winner won a beautiful bouquet of flowers, which was delivered to their mum on Mothering Sunday.
John Amos, Chairman of 'Inspieration, Friends of Boscombe Pier' commented: "It has been an absolute pleasure joining Wilkinsons today as the store unveiled its rebranded image, and we are extremely grateful for the generous donation. The money will enable us to buy a PA system for use at events on the pumping station on the pier, plus pay for our public liability insurance to enable us to continue our work. It's wonderful not to have to worry about finding the money for these vital things."
Store manager, David Curtis, commented: "Re-opening day has been a great success. The whole store team has really done the company proud, and the end result is a testament to each and every one of them. We've already received some fantastic compliments from our customers about the bright, modern design, and easy to navigate new layout.
"I would like to thank 'Inspieration, Friends of Boscombe Pier' for coming along today and helping us with the re-opening. They really helped to bring the seaside to the Sovereign Centre - the customers loved the fun games they provided and it was great to see them really get involved."
With its wide selection of high quality, low-priced everyday products, including health and beauty, cleaning, gardening and homeware, Wilkinson Boscombe will remain the local, trusted high street retailer it always has been.
 |
The Sovereign Shopping Centre 600 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4SX Telephone: 01202 392721 | Fax: 01202 392723 | E-Mail: Joan.Neale@eu.jll.com |
