A SOCIAL enterprise will be bringing life back to an empty Llandudno shop unit.
Recycling company Crest Co-operative will be opening a new retail store on Mostyn Broadway, Llandudno on Saturday, February 16. The unit was previously occupied by HSS Hire for several years and is situated at the back of Parc Llandudno.
Shoppers can expect to find a large furniture and electrical showroom, with new and pre-owned goods. The social enterprise currently operates an electrical repair centre. Unwanted electrical items such as washing machines and fridge freezers are collected from the homes of hundreds of Conwy residents. The items are repaired and sold back to the community at a low cost.
The opening of Crest Community Store is set to create work placements for local unemployed people and adults with learning disabilities. Crest Co-operative has already employed three permanent retail staff, ready for the grand opening of the new store.
Mother-of-two Aysha Roberts, 22, from Llandudno, came to Crest Co-operative on a programme aimed at helping young people, who had faced barriers when trying to secure permanent employment. Aysha’s hard work during her time on the Welsh Government funded Jobs Growth Wales scheme, has led to Crest Co-operative offering her a permanent job role as a Retail Assistant at the new Crest Community Store.
Aysha said: “I had a lot of support from Crest Co-operative. I now think that working in retail is where I am meant to be. I love coming to work and I am really excited about the shop opening.”
The opening of Crest Community Store will be welcome news for new parents, who will find pre-owned prams for sale at low prices and nearly new clothing for babies and children. Clothing for adults and accessories will also be on offer.
Although Crest Co-operative’s Llandudno Junction store will be moving to the bigger site in Llandudno, the popular high street shop on Station Road, Colwyn Bay, will remain open.
Gordon Rafferty, newly appointed Area Manager, for Crest Community Store, said: “We aim to reach more people by opening a Llandudno shop that is easily accessible for members of the public. We are looking forward to celebrating the opening and are inviting shoppers to join us for the celebrations.”
Crest Community Store, Mostyn Broadway, will open from 9am-5pm. Opening celebrations will take place on Saturday, February 16. Shoppers will receive a free drink on arrival and Crest Co-operative’s mascot Tommy Textile will be entertaining children.