Wraps come off new Boots store
The first phase of a major refurbishment of Stirling’s Thistles shopping centre was unveiled on Wednesday morning.
Shoppers lined up for a first glimpse of the new Boots store.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford cut the ribbon before the first shoppers streamed in, with the first 200 customers receiving goodie bags.
Audrey Corrigan was also presented with a luxury hamper which she won after entering an online competition run in conjunction with the Stirling Observer.
The revamp has created 10 new jobs in the store.
Mr Crawford said: “The range of products and services available in this new store is fantastic and the access from the street gives greater flexibility to opening times.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with the staff and managers and I’m delighted with the finished store.”
Work began last October on the transformation, resulting in the original Castlegait Mall entrance at King Street being closed off.
Initial plans were that the access at Castlegait Mall would remain blocked once work was complete.
But a rethink was sparked by concerns raised from traders outside the centre and there is now a route in and out of the centre via the new store.
The creation of the new unit, which takes in part of the former vacant BHS store, will now the old Boots premises to be turned into a major new store for Next, including both clothing and homeware ranges.
Next will continue operating from its existing unit on Ochilview Mall until its new store is open in mid2019.
Boots and Next both agreed new 10-year leases last year.
Thistles owners Standard Life Investments previously said the redevelopment plans were partly aimed at encouraging retailers such as Next to remain in the shopping centre rather than relocate to retail parks, as has occurred in other parts of the country.
The new Boots store features new and exclusive beauty brands, a healthcare area, pharmacy, opticians and consultation rooms.
Customers will also be able to access the entire Boots beauty ranges using a next-day order and collect service.
Store manager Arlene Forrest said: “We know our customers in Stirling love to shop all of the latest beauty finds and trends, which is why we’re so excited to be introducing a new beauty space that will offer an exciting range of exclusive beauty brands, never before seen in the city.”
Thistles centre director Gary Turnbull said: “This confirms Boots’ long-term commitment and investment to Stirling and is a resoundingly positive retail development. We look forward to welcoming the community.”
Boots has been a feature in Stirling for 85 years, with the Thistles welcoming its first Boots store in 1977. At its launch the store devoted a section to Scottish souvenirs.