AN AYRSHIRE business is set to open its biggest ever store this summer in a milestone moment for the firm. 

The Designer Rooms, entering its 14th year of trade, will close two of their current stores in Irvine and Kilmarnock, to take over the existing Poundstretchers store at Fowlds Street in Kilmarnock - set to become one of the biggest furniture stores in Scotland. 

As part of the move, the firm's current branches on Ayr Road in Irvine and Campbell Street in Kilmarnock will merge and close. 

However, the company says new retailers have already been found for the existing sites in both Irvine and Kilmarnock.

The firm also has a store on Prestwick Road in Ayr, as well as premises at the Braehead and Silverburn shopping centres near Glasgow, MacKinnon Mills in Coatbridge and Birkenshaw Retail Park in Uddingston, and a clearance outlet at Caledonian Retail Park in Wishaw, none of which will be affected by the Irvine and Kilmarnock moves.

 

The business already employs more than 100 local people, but new jobs will be created both in-store and behind the scenes as a result of the move.

A Designer Rooms spokesperson said: "First to close will be the Irvine showroom, making way for local family-run baby-wear and pram retailer 123-ABC.

"Being such an exciting opportunity for 123-ABC, they are keen to press on and open their brand-new flagship store in early spring, so the closing down sale at The Designer Rooms in Irvine must begin now.

"New tenants have also been sourced for the current DR site at Campbell Street in Kilmarnock, however this move will be closer to summer."

The closing-down sale at the Irvine site will begin on Friday, February 16.

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, welcomed news of the local expansion.

He said: “This is great news for Kilmarnock. It’s really encouraging to see local businesses flourish and grow in this way and we’re delighted that The Designer Rooms have opted to stay in East Ayrshire.

"This larger site, with dedicated parking, will really help to strengthen the retail offer in this part of the town centre, and will really complement our vision to create a vibrant town centre.”