Filco’s phoenix from the ashes
Seven months after a devastating fire closed a Welsh independent supermarket, work on its redevelopment is almost complete and a brand-new store is soon to be revealed.
Filco Bryntirion suffered extensive smoke and heat damage in the blaze that started in an electricals cupboard at the end of April this year.
The store’s firewall prevented the fire itself from spreading into the main store, but the extent of the damage meant the 5,500 sq.ft. store had to be closed immediately.
Since then substantial work has been underway which has seen the roof replaced and all the interior fixtures and fittings ripped out and replaced to create a fantastic modern store to cater for the local community.
Filco sales manager, Nathan Walmsley, said the fire was a dreadful sight to behold, however it presented an opportunity to redesign the entire store which has been trading on that site for the last 50 years, 40 of which have been with Nisa as main supply partner.
“We were open and trading when the fire broke out at about 6pm and smoke was billowing out of the roof. It was awful to watch because you are absolutely helpless however once we knew the extent of the damage, we were able to take a fresh look and make some changes to plan for the long-term future of the store,” said Nathan.
Working with Nisa’s format and development team, a new plan for the store was created with walls knocked through and the store undergoing a full re-design giving it a much more open feel. One of the original entrances has been closed, the check-outs have been moved and the store has been given a new look and feel.
A large food to go area has been created to maximise opportunities from this growing shopper mission and a fresh fish counter from a local fishmonger has been installed alongside the butchery and deli. The chill range had also been increased with new, latest technology chillers installed.
Nathan added: “We are also planning to introduce an online delivery service and have worked hard to ensure the store is fit for the future.”
Head of key accounts at Nisa, Vicky Lockie said: “It’s been a long seven months to get this store back and ready to trade and a fantastic team effort from everyone involved – both at Filco and Nisa. I’m thrilled that opening day is almost upon us and I know the shoppers at Bryntirion are going to absolutely love their new store which offers even more than it did before and really does look superb.”
Work is set to complete within the next few days and the official opening is planned for Thursday 21st November.
