Following the acquisition of the lease for its former Liverpool franchise store in Bold Street last year, Smiffys has acquired two more existing customer stores, and will open two new store locations.
In July, Smiffys acquired Newcastle store, Magic Box from Carol and Clive Richardson and their business partner Gillian Stephenson, who had run the store successfully for 30 years. The previous owners are now focussing on other areas of work, but are still in contact with Smiffys and Clive may even be helping manage the queues this Halloween at the hugely popular shop.
Clive, Carol and Gillian commented: “After 30 years of Magic Box, we are so pleased to hand over our business to Elliott and the team at Smiffys. Magic Box has been a roller coaster, with so many highs and the occasional low. We have so many memories and met lifelong friends through the years. I know what we have achieved will continue for years to come under the direction of Elliott.”
In August, Smiffy’s acquired the Dress Up & Party store in Headingley. Shirley Phillipson had owned the store for 23 years, and has stayed on as manager for Smiffys.
Shirley said: “Smiffys approached me in November 2021 and suggested taking over business. It’s quite different working for a corporate company after being self-employed after all these years, but it works. The Headingley store has been extended and refitted and is looking fabulous, worth all the hard work. There is a great team of staff at Smiffys, in the office, in the warehouse and on the road, always ready to help. I would expect this is one of the reasons Smiffys are so successful. Onward and upward Smiffys, thank you Elliott and Sam.”
Smiffys will also open a new store in Oxford in mid-September. With no existing trade customers in the area and high student population, the company saw a great opportunity to bring a costume shop to Cowley Road. With new signage and shop fit underway, the store will be ready for the busy Halloween season.
Finally, Smiffys has just signed a lease of a Leeds city centre location, 100 yards from the landmark Trinity Shopping Centre, to be open in time for Halloween. The store spans two floors and is undergoing a full refit, and will be run by Shirley Phillipson and her team. With Smiffys head office just a 10-minute walk away, it makes sense for Smiffys to have a flagship presence in the city’s high street.
Elliott Peckett, director, commented: “Our stores will reinforce Smiffys’ position as the number one brand with the consumer, increasing brand awareness and demand for our trade customers on the high street and online. We are incredibly excited for this next chapter and to expand our high street presence further into 2023.”
