New HQ secures jobs for thriving retailer

Charlies Stores Ltd, the home, garden and great outdoors retail and wholesale operator with a base in Shrewsbury, has officially opened its new head office, e-commerce and warehousing facility.

The site, at Offa’s Dyke Business Park in Welshpool, follows a £5.5 million investment supported by Barclays.

The 102,000 sq ft facility consolidates seven existing warehousing and fragmented office locations into a purpose-built unit with capacity for significant growth, securing the future of 60 warehousing and head office jobs.

Employing over 400 staff across eight retail stores, with over 70,000 product lines, Charlie’s Stores is bucking the trend within the retail sector to deliver a sustainable business model.

Director Rebecca Lloyd said: “We are an independent family-owned business, passionate about our mid Wales heritage. My dad Chris, bought the business back in the early 80’s while working at Charlie’s when it was an army surplus store based in Newtown. Thirty years later we now have a £46 million turnover business, employing over 400 staff.

“Over the next six years we plan to open a further four stores and expand our e-commerce business. Currently 25% of our online sales are generated from inside the M25, so we know there is a large opportunity to capitalise on our e-commerce service and pricing strategy across the UK.”

She added: “Running a business is tough as the responsibility for the expansion and success of the business can sometimes weigh heavy when other people’s livelihoods depend on my decisions, but the flexibility to make those decisions and making lifelong friends along the way make it all worthwhile.” 

Paul Ffoulkes, Barclays relationship director, said: “Investment in the new premises demonstrates both Barclays and the management team’s confidence in the potential growth and success of the business.”

Pictured: Paul Ffoulkes of Barclays with Charlies directors Nick Dann, Rebecca Lloyd and Gwyn Watkin, plus company owner Chris Lloyd.