Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
A housewares specialist retailer made its debut at East Street in Derby yesterday (Thursday, February 16).
‘Wooden Spoon, The Cookshop’ is located next to department store Lee Longlands: a 65,000sq ft Art Deco building has a feature of the Derbyshire city since 1938. The new store has leased part of the premises.
The venture is the brainchild of Lee Smith, who previously worked for Livsstil’s Cookshop Clearance Company in Derby, before it closed on Christmas Eve.
He said: “When I told my old bosses that I was going to open my own shop, they were really supportive. They gave me so much stuff and I knew I had to give this business my best shot. Without them, I really wouldn’t have been able to do this.”
Lee was generously given the old shop’s fixtures, fittings, till point and till. He has invested in all the stock and plans to run the shop with his wife, Dawn.
Wooden Spoon, The Cookshop will carry a range of housewares, including tools, gadgets, bakeware, glassware and aprons.
Speaking to www.HousewaresLive.net this morning, he said: “Today, I’m still taking deliveries but the majority of stock is in. We’re making the shop look nice and colourful now and we’ve already had a few customers.”
A similarly named business called The Wooden Cookshop opened last September, 30 miles away on Derby Street in Leek. But there is no connection between the businesses.
“In fact,” Lee said, “I’d like to say sorry to them [directors Zoe and Lindsey Vincent] if there’s been any confusion. I didn’t realise the coincidence until after registering my company name.” Zoe commented: “It’s not a problem. It’s good to see someone else taking the plunge!”
Lee with his daughter, six-year-old Lorelai, outside the premises prior to opening
CREDIT: Derby Telegraph
