Two of the empty units at the new Hale Barns Square development are to be filled within weeks by national retailers.
Tiles and interiors brand Fired Earth is currently fitting out a 1,975 sq ft unit opposite the main entrance to Booths with a view to a spring opening.
And pet supplies chain Pets Corner has taken a same-sized unit next door and will open on Saturday March 5th.
The news represents a boost to the much-heralded new development, which launched with the opening of anchor tenant Booths last April and saw Costa Coffee move into one of the five available retail units in June.
And there could be further good news very soon, as we understand that the remaining vacant units – 1 and 4 – have deals in place in principle, although nothing yet signed.
One – the 3,488 sq ft unit that fronts on to Hale Road – is on the verge of being taken by an established local restaurateur with a new-concept brand, while the remaining unit is close to an agreement with a home furnishings brand.
Pets Corner, which has almost 100 stores around the country, is a family-run business selling pets’ feed, accessories and treatments. Currently its nearest store to Altrincham is in Warrington.
The new store is set to create four jobs.
Adam Powell, regional manager at Pets Corner, said: “We are delighted to be bringing our animal expertise to Hale Barns. Everyone at Pets Corner is incredibly passionate about animals and we are committed to delivering the highest quality of service and care to all of our customers and their pets.
“The whole team has been trained in giving advice that will help make the lives of pets as safe and happy as possible. We are looking forward to meeting our Hale Barns customers and helping them with all their pet related requirements.”
Fired Earth sells a range of “beautiful tiles, paints, kitchens and bathrooms” and is owned by cooker manufacturer Aga Rangemaster.
Its managing director, Andrew Manders, told us: “We feel that the community around Hale Barns perfectly matches the profile of customers who typically love our products, and we’ve developed the interior of the new Fired Earth showroom in a way that we think will appeal to them.”
