BEATTIES SAVED: City delighted after store's future secured

Famous faces, MPs and business chiefs joined people all over the Black Country and further afield to celebrate the welcome announcement.

Soul queen Beverley Knight was among the first to react after months of uncertainty over the future of the landmark store in Wolverhampton was brought to an end.

The Wolverhampton-born singer, who starred at the store’s Christmas Gala in 2006, said: “I am beyond chuffed! Super-chuffed! Over the moon!

“All those staff who now have secure futures, and all Wolverhampton and Black Country folk who fought so hard to keep our icon open can rejoice.”

The 41-year-old was among more than 6,500 people who backed the Express & Star’s campaign, calling on Mr Ashley to keep the 141-year-old store open.

Its future was plunged into doubt following the collapse of owner House of Fraser, then the subsequent takeover by Mr Ashley.

But following months of talks between Mr Ashley’s team and the building landlords, the store’s future was secured.

It will now be one of the dozens of House of Fraser stores which will be turned into the ‘Harrods of the High Street’ under his plan.

The lower ground floor of the shop is being stocked with goods from Sports Direct, Mr Ashley’s sports company.

City council leader Roger Lawrence said: “We are delighted the new owners of Beatties have decided to keep the store open – it is fantastic news for our city centre.

“As a council we, along with many others in the city, have been campaigning hard for this outcome.

“It will come as a big relief to the staff, who can now look positively to the future.

“The landmark Beatties store has been part of the fabric of our city for 131 yeasr.

“Local people have very deep historical and emotional bonds to the store, indeed generations of Wulfrunians have shopped there.”

The city’s MPs also reacted to the announcement.

Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds: “This is fantastic news for Wolverhampton. It is really, really welcome for the whole city and everybody who works at Beatties.” Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden: “This is great news for Wolverhampton, both in terms of jobs and city identity. Beatties is an iconic store with a long history and the news that the closure threat is being lifted will be warmly welcomed.”

Wolverhampton South West MP Eleanor Smith: “It is very good news that Beatties department store is to remain open and trading. It is an important iconic attraction to our city centre. I hope the loyal staff will be respected and treasured.”

Business leader Ninder Johal, former president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said the store owners needed to quickly adapt to the market. There had been criticism of former owners House of Fraser of underinvestment. He said: “It is wonderful news. With the ownership change I thought there was a possibility that Beatties could be saved. It’s remarkable that new owners can see something different. It’s wonderful for the employees and it’s wonderful for the city of Wolverhampton and for confidence of the retail landscape.

“This is a warning to Beatties to take their second chance and to make the changes necessary to take the brand back to the glory days.”

Wolves record goalscorer Steve Bull, who has shopped at the store all his life, said: “I think it is brilliant. There were many jobs at stake and now it will stay open – so to me it is absolutely brilliant. It’ll keep the city going.” Sports presenter Jacqui Oatley, who grew up in Codsall and studied at St Dominic’s in Brewood and Wolverhampton Grammar School, said: “The thought of it closing was terrible and you wondered what could go in its place.

“News that it is remaining open, although we do not have all the details, is good news also for all the people who work there.

“My memories are of it being a vibrant store, the thought of it closing was upsetting.”

Britain’s Got Talent star Donchez Dacres, famous for his Wiggle Wine, joined the campaign to save the store. He said: “I think it is wonderful news for Wolverhampton as a city.”