The established local builders merchant has announced that it will be opening a new retail shop serving the DIY market in Stourport later this year, supporting its two merchant branches.

Trading locally within Worcestershire and Shropshire since 1937, Thompson & Parkes’ employs more than 20 people and operates a delivery fleet of five vehicles. As a building merchant specialist, the firm provides a full range of building, timber, decorating, landscaping and plumbing products, as well as a Dulux paint mixing and colour match service.

The merchant’s new Stourport DIY branch, opening on the site of the old wedding shop on the Minster Road, will also offer a range of gardening tools and accessories and will be open seven days a week, complementing the company’s existing Kidderminster and Oreton branches.

The site has been completely gutted and refurbished, with internal walls demolished and re-built. However, construction is progressing well and directors Gary Wells, Jean Morris and general manager Gary Watts are delighted with the progress being made so far and say the store is on course for its grand opening later this year.

Gary Watts commented: “We’re delighted to be opening a new retail shop and business venture in Stourport specifically aimed at the DIY market.

“As a local business we work with the DIY enthusiast, sole traders and SME’s through to large corporates and we’re keen that we continue to recruit from, and invest in, the communities in which we operate.”

The new venture will create six new roles when it opens and recruitment is already underway to fill the vacancies, which include store supervisor and store assistant positions. The company hopes to have a team of 20 working in the store by this time next year.

Company director Jean Morris added: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first retail shop in Stourport and look forward to welcoming new team members as we grow and expand.

“We have a fantastic and experienced team who have helped make the business the success it is today, and we’ll be extremely excited when we finally see Stourport’s doors open.”