Growing demand for quality, well located showroom accommodation was a key driver in the strong interest shown in the former Hyundai Car showroom on Swansea’s Carmarthen Road.
Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) marketed the 6,163 sq ft property on behalf of a local investor and considered several businesses before agreeing a letting with Middletons Limted.
The accessible furniture and lifestyle specialists have taken a 10-year lease at an annual rent of £55,000 for the two storey premises. Currently undergoing fit out and due to open this Saturday (29 April), it will serve as its first showroom in Swansea, the company’s third in South Wales.
Middleton which is headquartered in Newport, offers a wide range of products designed to make lives easier for people faced with the physical challenges that come with ageing and disability.
“From scooters, adjustable beds and rise and recline chairs, our products and service offering are all about helping people have the freedom to live without limits,” explains Middletons’ co-founder, Ricky Towler.
The Swansea showroom opening forms part of a wider expansion strategy which thanks to a £3.8million grant from the Wales Business Fund will allow the company to expand its UK retail network to 22 stores. Other Wales locations include Newport, Cardiff and Wrexham.
With the investment part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, and the Wales Flexible Investment Fund it will, according to Towler, “help position Middletons as a significant market player over the next two to three years.”
He adds: “Middleton staff have a reputation for friendly and helpful customer service and so with plenty of customer parking and a modern showroom interior large enough to allow product demonstrations, I’m confident this new base will support our operational needs perfectly.”
“Location is key,” says Jason Thorne of LSH “and so set on such a key route in and out of central Swansea alongside other high-profile retailers such as Aldi and the Range, it should help give the business the visibility and access it needs.”