Boyes opens 70th store at Durham's Arnison Centre

Scarborough-based Boyes opened its latest and seventieth store at Durham’s Arnison Retail Park in Durham on Friday (September 23) morning, marking a major landmark for the company.

The family-run store has created more than 20 new jobs with the possibility for more during the festive season.

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Boyes Chairman and Managing Director Andrew Boyes told The Northern Echo: “It’s great to see the store open and we’re delighted to be here in Durham as another milestone for the company.

“This is one of the biggest stores that we’ve opened in the last ten years and it’s been in the works for quite a while so to see it all come together is really satisfying.

(L-R) assistant manager Debbie Hay, assistant supervisors Donna Wilks and Tammy Harris and chairman Andrew Boyes outside the new Boyes store at the Arnison Centre in Durham. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

“We’ve had a great reaction from the customers, lots of them recognise us from our other stores in Chester-le-Street, Bishop Auckland, Darlington but we’re new to this location and it’s been really busy so far.

“You always get nervous on the first day before opening a store but there’s a buzz about it as well and it’s a celebration for us all.

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“We know times are tough for people at the moment but we’re a business with great brands and great value and that’s what we always try to do.”

The store has replaced the old Oak Furniture Land Unit at the centre and sits between Wilkinson’s and Superdrug.

Staff have been busy renovating the site for 12 weeks and working until late putting the finishing touches on the store over the last week.

The shop will be open at 8.30am Monday – Saturday, closing at 8pm on weekdays and 7pm on Saturdays. It will be open 10am – 4pm on Sundays.

See inside as The Northern Echo went for a look around the new store as it opened on Friday:

The exterior of the new store. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

There is a huge range of products on offer. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

There is something for everyone at the new store. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The new store is set over two levels, and is one of the chain's largest. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The staff looked happy in their work on day one. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

There is a range of clothing on offer. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Customers queueing up at the tills. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

There were hundreds of shoppers in the store on Friday. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Gone fishing... Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Queues at the tills. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The DIY department. Picture: STUART BOULTON (Image: STUART BOULTON)

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