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HomePlus Furniture to open in Ashford's former M&S store in town centre

Ashford's abandoned M&S store will reopen as a furniture shop today – more than two years since the retail giant pulled out of the town.

Staff at HomePlus Furniture are preparing to welcome their first customers after bosses signed a 15-year lease with the County Square shopping centre.

The former M&S unit has been empty since May 2019
The former M&S unit has been empty since May 2019

They have spent five weeks fitting out the prime unit, which faces onto the high street but has sat empty since May 2019.

The firm had been occupying the former Argos site in New Rents but staff closed that store on Thursday ahead of today's opening.

HomePlus general manager Matt King says the team will be starting with a soft launch as the open-plan store "isn't 100% ready".

"We have got another 10 beds and another collection of mattresses to come next week but there would be no point waiting," he said.

"For the first few weeks, we just want people to come in and have a look around to see what we have to offer.

Staff say County Square shoppers have been peering through the windows in recent days
Staff say County Square shoppers have been peering through the windows in recent days
As well as beds, mattresses and sofas, staff say they are continuing to stock "quirky" items
As well as beds, mattresses and sofas, staff say they are continuing to stock "quirky" items
Vicky Tilley, left, manages the Sheerness HomePlus store; her colleague Sharon Maitland will be in charge of the Ashford unit
Vicky Tilley, left, manages the Sheerness HomePlus store; her colleague Sharon Maitland will be in charge of the Ashford unit
The open-plan store features new lighting, carpet and wallpaper
The open-plan store features new lighting, carpet and wallpaper

"I know there are a few empty units in the town centre so it's nice to be in here – we will bring something to County Square."

Earlier this year, HomePlus owner Martin Rose said he had decided against filling Ashford's former Debenhams unit as its three-storey set up would not suit his business.

Mr King, who has worked for the company for eight years, says staff were keen to "open everything up" in the former M&S site, removing the former changing rooms and other internal walls.

"When M&S left, they took everything with them and gutted the place," Mr King added.

"We've managed to get a lot more stuff in here than in New Rents and can cater from budget to high-end.

How the store looked in 1979. Picture: M&S Archive/Steve Salter
How the store looked in 1979. Picture: M&S Archive/Steve Salter
The tills are in the middle of the store
The tills are in the middle of the store
HomePlus staff will use both entrances; this is the County Square entry point
HomePlus staff will use both entrances; this is the County Square entry point
Pictures adorn the walls around the store
Pictures adorn the walls around the store
Staff will welcome their first customers from 9am on Saturday; it is one of six HomePlus stores in Kent
Staff will welcome their first customers from 9am on Saturday; it is one of six HomePlus stores in Kent
M&S staff pose for a picture outside the store on its final day in 2019
M&S staff pose for a picture outside the store on its final day in 2019

"When we took the covers off at the County Square entrance of the store earlier this week, it felt like we were in a zoo with everyone looking in wondering what was going on."

In March last year, HomePlus was forced to leave its site in Beaver Road as the former B&Q store was demolished to make way for the ‘Ashford Shard’ 16-storey tower block plan.

It moved into the New Rents unit last summer, but Mr Rose says he “always knew it would be a stopgap” because the shop will be knocked down if plans for a 92-bed hotel, bar and restaurant are approved.

Ashford Borough Council is yet to decide on plans for the New Rents hotel, but SPPF Ltd wants to knock down Game, PDSA, Betfred, British Heart Foundation, HomePlus and the ex-Pet Essentials unit to make way for the development.

The Tufton Centre, later County Square, M&S branch on its opening day in 1979. Picture: M&S Archive/Steve Salter
The Tufton Centre, later County Square, M&S branch on its opening day in 1979. Picture: M&S Archive/Steve Salter
This part of the store previously housed the M&S food section
This part of the store previously housed the M&S food section
HomePlus was previously based in Beaver Road but the site has now been flattened; owner Martin Rose had wanted to move straight into the M&S unit, but was unable to complete the deal last year
HomePlus was previously based in Beaver Road but the site has now been flattened; owner Martin Rose had wanted to move straight into the M&S unit, but was unable to complete the deal last year
Eight staff will run the former M&S unit
Eight staff will run the former M&S unit
The food section in Marks & Spencer in 1979. Picture: M&S Archive/Steve Salter
The food section in Marks & Spencer in 1979. Picture: M&S Archive/Steve Salter
HomePlus opened its New Rents store last June; the former Argos site closed on Thursday
HomePlus opened its New Rents store last June; the former Argos site closed on Thursday
How the new 92-bed hotel in Ashford could look if the New Rents plans are approved
How the new 92-bed hotel in Ashford could look if the New Rents plans are approved

The new HomePlus store is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sundays.

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