Client Releases
AN EGG-SCELLENT EASTER THEMED RE-OPENING FOR BYKER WILKINSON
The Wilkinson store, situated on Shields Road, Byker, re-launched its re-branded image on Thursday 5th April, with help from The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Geoff O’Brien and club secretary of The East End Community Centre, Jean Caulderwood.
The special guests joined Wilkinsons’ head of multi-channel, Simon Hathway and store manager, Damien Jackson, in a ribbon cutting ceremony – marking a start to the Easter themed celebrations.
Long serving staff members, Emma McGowan and Dawn Rutter, were also invited to join the ceremony, as a thank you for their 25 years’ service with the company, and were congratulated with a celebratory cake, which was presented by store manager, Damien Jackson.
As part of Wilkinsons’ commitment to the local community, Damien presented the Lord Mayor with a cheque donation to the Mayor’s Appeal, which supports a number of charities in the region, including NSPCC, Islamic Relief and CAPOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development). Jean also received a cheque donation, which will go towards a day out to the seaside for the elderly members of The East End Community Centre.
Early bird customers received a delicious complimentary Easter themed cupcake and throughout the morning, street entertainer, Louby Balloony, wowed shoppers with her balloon modelling tricks, creating hats, flowers and animals for children to take home.
To raise money for Age UK, Wilkinsons’ charity of the year, staff members also hosted a ‘Guess the Number of Mini Eggs in the Jar’ game, where one lucky customer walked away with a jam packed hamper full of products from the ‘Easter Garden’ and ‘Easter DIY & Home’ ranges, including soft furnishings, seeds and paint brushes.
Damien said: “Re-opening day has been a huge success and it’s been very rewarding seeing so many people flooding through the doors. Special thanks go to The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Geoff O’Brien and club secretary of The East End Community Centre, Jean Caulderwood, for helping us with the re-opening. They have really got everyone in the celebratory spirit.”
Councillor Geoff O’Brien, said: “It has been a pleasure joining Wilkinsons today as the store unveiled its rebranded image and I am delighted to receive such a generous donation.”
Jean said: “I’m pleased to be able to join in the celebrations alongside the Wilkinsons’ team, who have clearly worked tirelessly on the makeover. It’s great to see a well-known high street retailer supporting small, local charities and community groups.”
The Easter fun will continue on Saturday 7th April when complimentary Cadbury Creme Eggs will be handed out to the first 50 customers to walk through the doors. A free face painter will be transforming children into fun characters from 10am until 4pm. Customers can also take part in a ‘Pin the Tail on the Bunny’ competition, to raise money for Age UK.
A family owned firm after 80 years of trading, JK Wilkinson opened his first store, situated on Charnwood Street, Leicester, in 1930. The company’s portfolio has expanded significantly over the eight decades that have followed, and there are currently 368 stores across the UK, including 10 in Scotland.
Serving over 178 million customers each year, and selling over 25,000 product lines, including health & beauty, gardening equipment, cleaning products and homewares both in store and online at WilkinsonPlus, Wilkinsons is dedicated to providing its customers with high quality products, choice and first class, friendly service.
Wilkinsons is committed to Britain’s high streets and prides itself on being a community focused retailer, actively supporting of local charities, community groups and care organisations, as well as its national charity of the year, Age UK.
