After much anticipation, the independent builders merchant officially launched its first retail shop serving the DIY market in Stourport on Saturday, September 14.

Having taken over the site of an old wedding shop Minster Road, Stourport during the summer, Thompson & Parkes completely refurbished the unit to create a striking retail environment offering DIY, decorating and gardening tools and accessories. The shop will trade seven days a week.

Company director Jean Morris commented: “We want to thank everyone from the local area, the business community, the Mayor of Stourport and our staff for joining us as we celebrated Saturday’s official launch.

“This is our first retail shop and we very much look forward to meeting, serving and continuing to support the local community for many more years to come.”

Thompson & Parkes employs more than 20 people locally across its new Stourport shop and established Kidderminster and Oreton branches. The business has traditionally supported the DIY enthusiast, sole trader and SMEs, through to large corporates, since 1937. The business continues to provide a full range of building, timber, landscaping and plumbing products via its builders merchant outlets, offering a full Dulux paint mixing and colour match service, which is now also available through the new Stourport shop.

General manager Gary Watts praised the support received from a host of suppliers; from Draper to Dulux “We could have gone forward with this project without the backing from suppliers but it wouldn’t have looked like this. The help has allowed us to open our doors with all the shelves full.”

He added: “The nature of the business means that we will carry major international brands but we also try to support local suppliers. For example, we have vending machines from local suppliers and introduced a brand new computer system, which was fitted by a local firm in Stourport. Plus, all of our clothing and PPE has been sourced from a small merchant in Birmingham.”

The new opening created seven new jobs in the area so far, with potential for further recruitment in the future. New appointments include manager Nikki Shipton and supervisor Harry Dowling-Bingle.  

Ms Morris explained: “Our mantra is ‘Proud to be Local’, which meant it was fundamental that we recruited and sought services, trades and sundry items locally, where possible, which we did and in less than two months!”