Fresh face for Forres High Street
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THE FUTURE of a well known Forres building has been revealed to the “Gazette” by its developers.
The site, formally owned by Mackenzie and Cruickshank, has been bought by Scottish company, Wrights Home Hardware.
Managing director, Jim Ferguson revealed that he hopes to open the new business within weeks.
“We have a target date of early February and plan to have a big opening day,” he said, explaining that they were hoping to create a big impression on the town.
“The building is ideal for us because of its large size and excellent location in the town centre,” he added. “It also comes with a high reputation which we hope to continue and improve on.”
The company want to reopen a coffee shop on the premises but said that this would be more likely to happen at a later stage of the development.
Wrights Home Hardware was established 30 years ago in Ardrossan as a co-operative company. They buy stock in bulk to offer cheaper prices and enable smaller retailers to match, or sell cheaper than, multiple traders. They currently supply 65 shops throughout the north of England and Scotland.
The Forres branch is the eighth retail store opened by the company to sell hardware products direct to local customers. The store will also stock houseware items and gifts similar to those previously supplied by Mackenzie and Cruickshank.
“We would not be adverse to selling locally produced items,” said Jim. “However, we are a traditional, old fashioned ironmongers who provide good advice with our service.”
Forres Community Councillor, Bob Hellyer, noticed work being done in the building over the weekend and said he was pleased that something was finally happening.
“I saw workers in there at 6pm on Sunday,” he said. “Their commitment to getting the project running is tremendous and they deserve a pat on the back.
“It’s great for Forres High Street and I am really looking forward to the opening.”
Pearl Hamilton, chair of the Moray and Keith branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, was similarly pleased that another new shop was opening in the town.
“It’s great news for the High Street and the surrounding area,” she said. “We welcome Wrights and we hope folk use the store so that they get their rewards for coming here.”
A spokesperson from Mackenzie and Cruickshank released a statement on their website:
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish Jim Ferguson and his team all the best, and believe his business will prove a first class asset to Forres High Street.”
