Falkirk Halfords store reopens eight months after fire 'ruined' stock
A Falkirk shop which was forced to close for eight months following an electrical fire has received a “much-needed facelift”.
Halfords shut down its Central Retail Park store in late July after faulty equipment sparked a blaze.
The premises’ ceiling and lights were badly damaged, to the extent where the business opted to close its doors and renovate the property.
Halfords was able to welcome back customers on Thursday, March 25.
Manager Greg Dornan says staff and shoppers alike are pleased the retail firm has reopened in time for summer and the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
He said: “What I’ve realised is how big a part Halfords has played in Falkirk.
“I went to the Stirling store to help and the amount of people who went there because the Falkirk shop was shut was remarkable.
“We’re glad to be back and we’re now better equipped to serve our customers.
“Halfords has been here for an awfully long time and been a really good shop but this has been a much-needed facelift so we look more like we operate.
“With an electrical fire, it’s really bad for smoke. The fire wasn’t huge but, because the smoke was covering the whole shop, it went on for a fair bit of time and it ruined all the stock.
“It needed a new roof and lights. It was quite a tired old shop before and it looks quite different.
“We’ve refurbished it from the inside out so it’s all bells and whistles.”
Following its soft launch event last month, trade has been increasing at Halfords.
Mr Dornan added: “Things have been good. It’s been quieter than I would like but it’s picking up.
“Cycling has become a bigger part of people’s lives because people have got a lot of time. A lot of people are buying bikes and roof boxes.
“I think a lot of people are checking out more of Scotland.
“With any store opening, it takes a few weeks before people realise you’re open. A lot of my customers went to the Stirling and Cumbernauld shops in between.
“We’re open 8am-6pm on Saturday, 10am-5pm on Sunday and then 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday. We’ve aligned our times with the garages.”