Heswall’s longest-established business moves into former Woolworths store

Jun 17 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

HESWALL’S former Woolworths store has a distinguished new tenant.

Gould’s the Stationers has been based in Castle Buildings since 1937 – but last week Heswall’s longest-established business made the move down Telegraph Road.

Members of staff worked through the night last week to ensure the new shop, which is twice as big as the old Gould’s store, was fully stocked ready for the crowds of eager shoppers waiting for it to open on Thursday morning.

The move took just four weeks after owner Anne Gould secured the lease on the new store after months of negotiations.

Anne, who first worked at the shop as a Saturday girl at the age of 14, said: “We had outgrown our previous premises and this opportunity was there because obviously the store had became vacant.

“I’ve been trying since January to secure the lease, which I finally did four weeks ago.

“So many people have come in to say it’s good to see us here.”

The move means Gould’s has been able to expand its ranges – which include toys and musical instruments alongside stationery.

The store is now also stocking sweets, crisps and chocolate to fill the gap left by the closure of Woolworths.

Anne, 40, said: “We’ve got to move with the times and we’ve got to develop the business and look at what the trends are.

“Twelve months ago my manager Louise, who is fantastic, told me her son was trying to find guitar strings.

“As a result of that we found a supplier for guitar equipment and started stocking musical instruments.

“The move also means we’ve been able to expand our existing range of toys and games and we’re now doing sweets, crisps, chocolates and drinks because the market is there.”

Gould’s started life as a printing business (and later shop) in West Kirby in 1904 before its move to Heswall.

The printing side of the company ceased operations in 1974.

Anne, who lives in West Kirby with husband David and their two young sons aged one and three, started working full-time at Gould’s when she was 18.

The business was established by her great-grandparents and has remained in the family ever since.

Before Anne took the reins, it was owned by her father Gordon, who is now retired.

She said: “There is a heritage to live up to and I’m very proud of the business.

“If we hadn’t moved into this store it could have been a competitor.

“It was too good an opportunity to miss.”