Staff members and customers were forced to evacuate Boots the Chemist's Exeter High Street store this morning following a fire alarm, which sounded at approximately 10.15am. Initially staff congregated outside Harry's Bar to the rear of the store, but were later moved up to Northernhay Gardens.
The store was closed for about 20 minutes, and shivering staff members were allowed to return after the fire crew had fully checked the building and were sure it was safe to return.
More than 6,500 jobs are at risk across the UK as the troubled high-street electricals chain Comet has been officially placed into administration. Comet is estimated to have lost £35m in a year. In a sign of the toughness of the market US giant Best Buy pulled out of the UK last year after struggling to gain a foothold.
The 240-strong chain, including its Marsh Barton branch, confirmed plans for it to be placed into administration next week, marking on of the UK's biggest retail failures in recent years.
Shoppers from Exeter and the surrounding areas celebrated as John Lewis opened the doors to its first shop in Devon on Friday 12th October. Within hours of opening, thousands of customers descended on the new shop, the retailer’s first flexible full line department store.
The Fashion department saw strong sales over the weekend, as Devon residents looked to update their winter wardrobes with brands such as Barbour, Mint Velvet, White Stuff and Phase Eight flying off the shelves.
For the home, John Lewis’ newly launched House range proved popular, with bedding and...
Standing inside the doors of John Lewis as the gleaming new store prepared to open this morning, there was a palpable buzz, which was in the most part being created by the partners waiting to serve their first 'real' customers. Dress rehearsal over, now the staff of John Lewis need to step up to the mark and put all their training into practice to satisfy the eager customers waiting to come and take a look, shop and just absorb the ambiance. In the motivational speach just before the doors opened, JL partners were reminded that the most important thing for the store to achieve success...
The experience of shopping in Exeter is set to rocket to new heights with the launch of the new John Lewis store on the corner of Sidwell Street, which opens its doors to the public at 9am on Friday 12th October. The Exeter Daily was lucky enough to take a sneak peek around the sophisticated store with manager Kate Connock, whose staff are busily preparing for a smooth launch. Thursday will see the store's partners undertaking a dress rehearsal, but the signs are good as everyone is pulling together to make it happen.
Whether you love or loathe shopping, you can't help but...
Exeter's Real Food Store and Cafe is celebrating on hearing the news that they have reached the final stages in this year's Food and Farming Awards in the Best Local Food Retailer category. This unusual project was started by a group of enthusiastic food lovers who upheld values of sustainability, locality and seasonality. This team also had a wealth of experience in bringing about enterprises that positively impact on both members within the immediate community and non-members alike. The nomination said, “Excellent customer service with knowledgeable staff, and high quality food which...
After much excitement watching what was the old Debenhams building transform into the spectacular JL store, I was always going to be waiting at the front of the queue to experience the opening of Exeter's new fantastic addition. Just about everyone I know was informed that this was my intention, friends at work, on face book and at the gym (missing my usual body pump class, which I never miss!) As my dad waited in the queue at around 8.25am and 40 or so people in front of him, I dashed to Starbucks to fuel us with caffeine for the shopping extravaganza ahead. Only a few drops of rain...
You are warmly invited to the open evening of the new show at the Real Food store cafe on Thursday 4 October 6-8pm. Their fabulous new show is called 'Escape' and features the work of a group of three local artists whose paintings include bright, floral, landscape, townscape and still life, working in all media. Opens on Tuesday 2 October until Saturday 27 October. Featured artists include: Lynne Ong: Lives and paints around the Tamar Valley, primarily concentrates on landscapes in oil and acrylic (image above 'Gunnislake before the rain'); Kari McGowan: Painter and teacher specialising in...
