Bradbeers Salisbury: 'We aim for good, better, and best '

Bradbeers with its retail heritage dating back to 1837 drew many customers this morning (Friday, October 27) and all seemed delighted that the store had come to Salisbury. 

Director of Bradbeers, Greg Davies told the Journal: “It’s finally opened. It’s been a long time coming. Superb to be here today.”

Director Greg Davies (Image: Newsquest)

Work in the department store continued right up to the last minute before the store officially opened and many people commented on the window display which was dedicated to the family. 

Greg Davies said: “It’s quite emotional looking at our family pictures in the window today. I think people like the family feel and the independence. We have been in business for 185 years.

“We refer to our products as good, better, and best and branded products. We have brought a lot of new brands to Salisbury.

"I project managed this myself and over my 30 years, I have tended to manage a lot of the building work and I actually enjoy it.  I thrive on the pressure. I love the challenge to be honest.”

Read more: Live blog as Bradbeers opened

Beverley Stannard (Image: Newsquest)

Beverley Stannard was the first person waiting in the queue. 

She said: "I have been to the one in Romsey. I am a fan. I have been here since 9am but I do only live around the corner. I think it's a really lovely store and when I went to the one in Romsey with my husband, it's really nice. I'm just here to have a good look around." 

Barbara Hart came from Andover for the opening ceremony. 

She said: "I have never been to a Bradbeers, this is my first time. I am hoping they will sell Clarins products.  I was having to go all the way to Southampton. I am just hoping for a good department store but I didn't realise that it was a family run store."

Anne-Marie Faramus said: "This store has brought Salisbury's mojo back. I love the store anyway. I used to go up into the restaurant here so nice to see it all being used again."

Ron Bartlett was waiting for Bradbeers to open (Image: Newsquest)

Homington resident Ron Bartlett said:  "I like the layout and the amount of stuff they have. It's a nice store to look around. I am here for some country clothing. I like the restaurant, and I can sit down there while the wife is shopping."

Read more: Bradbeers - the newest arrival to Salisbury

Special advisor to the chief secretary of the Treasury, Dr Mark McClelland said: "It is just fantastic for Salisbury.  This is exactly what the city needed. The city is really on the up with Primark and Everyman Cinema. Other towns are not getting anything like this."

Salisbury MP John Glen (Image: Newsquest)

Salisbury MP John Glen said: "We have been fed up seeing the redundant Debenhams building and to see Bradbeers a relatively local family run department store open in the centre of Salisbury, I think it is consistent with what people see Salisbury as.... a place of independence."

"The crowds here show that there is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. I hope this is good for the whole city and for the others who trade here. Things are changing in Salisbury, people can come here instead of going to Bath or Southampton."