Charles Edwin Wetherell opened his first shop in New Street, Selby in 1898 and moved to The Crescent in 1906, opening the local drapers shop. The current managing director, Paul Wetherell, grandson of Charles Edwin, and his wife Margaret are in the store every day, giving that personal service.
Mark Wetherell, great grandson of the founder, follows the family tradition and works within the store. Although the store look has changed over the years, it's high values remain the same. Wetherells is still a privately owned and run business and offers great value and highest quality service to it's customers.
Here at Wetherells we offer a traditional and personal service to our customers, which is somewhat lacking on the modern high street. Ours is a traditional department store offering a wide range of products and services from nationally and internationally renowned manufacturers and suppliers. Our aim is to provide you with everything you would expect from a national department store, locally, with that invaluable personal touch.
Dozens of shoppers gathered outside on Friday as the beauty contest winner cut the ribbon to mark the beginning of a new era at Wetherells.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds has been spent upgrading The Crescent outlet – which originally opened in 1898 – to transform it into a 21st century retail emporium. Eight jobs have been created.
Store director Mark Wetherell said: "We're proud and delighted to open the new look store, which will be 110 years old this year.
"Lots of hard work has gone into this refurbishment. Contractors Jamieson Smith Associates have been superb, and so have the staff who've come in during the past few months not knowing what to expect from day to day.
"It's been a real team effort, but the work has certainly paid off."
The new upgraded fashion and cosmetics wing features a host of big-name brands, such as Clarins, Yves Saint Laurent, Elizabeth Arden, Jo Wood Organics, Beauty Lab, Rose & Co, Fake Bake and Windsmoor. Helen E Cosmetics – sponsors of Miss England 2008 – are also available.
Additional clothing lines, lingerie and fashion accessories are also in store, alongside glass and china, cookery products, curtains, bedding, furniture, beds, sports equipment and toys.
Mr Wetherell added: "The aim is to retain shoppers in Selby who may have travelled out to other areas, such as York.
"If we keep business in the town, we can all support each other as well as employ local people."
Miss Coleman, who will represent England in Miss World in South Africa, said: "I'm delighted to be here. The new store is lovely – it's well laid out and looks superb."
