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Business, News

Harvey Norman opens new store in Sutton Coldfield

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Harvey Norman, the global retail giant specialising in furniture, bedding, appliances and technology, is set to soft open its highly anticipated new store at the Gracechurch Centre.

The soft launch, commencing at 11am on Thursday 2 April, offers the local community an exclusive first look at the retailer’s integrated retail concept just in time for the Easter weekend. This opening marks a significant milestone in the brand’s UK growth strategy, building on the momentum from its flagship Merry Hill location.

A new UK headquarters in the West Midlands

Beyond serving as a premier shopping destination, the new Sutton Coldfield location will also function as Harvey Norman’s UK headquarters. This dual-purpose facility establishes a centralised hub for the company’s expanding operations, underscoring the importance of the West Midlands region to the brand’s future.

Lachlan Roach, managing director at Harvey Norman UK, commented on the strategic significance of the launch:

“We are delighted to be opening our Sutton Coldfield store and to be continuing our expansion across the UK. The West Midlands is an important region for our growth, and the Gracechurch Centre provides an excellent location for both our retail offering and our UK headquarters.”

Community partnerships: cupcakes and brass bands

To celebrate the soft opening, Harvey Norman is engaging with the local community through partnerships with independent businesses and organisations.

  • Silver Tree Bakery partnership: the first 200 customers through the doors on opening day will receive complimentary cupcakes provided by local independent business Silver Tree Bakery.
  • Live entertainment: in collaboration with Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, a standing brass band will perform outside the store, creating a vibrant atmosphere for shoppers.

What to expect at the new store

The Gracechurch Centre location promises to deliver Harvey Norman’s signature “integrated retail” experience, bringing together a wide range of home and lifestyle products under one roof. Customers can expect dedicated departments for:

  • Furniture: living, dining and bedroom collections.
  • Bedding: mattresses and bedroom accessories.
  • Appliances: major kitchen and laundry appliances.
  • Technology: the latest in consumer electronics and computing.

Mr Roach added: “We’ve worked hard to create a space that brings together a wide range of home and lifestyle products under one roof, supported by knowledgeable teams and a strong customer experience. We’re also proud to be working with local businesses such as Silver Tree Bakery as part of our opening.”

Grand opening to follow

While the soft launch invites the public to explore the store starting 2 April, an official grand opening event is planned for the coming weeks. This event is expected to welcome VIP guests from across the UK.

Harvey Norman’s expanding UK footprint

Established in 1982, Harvey Norman operates over 300 stores worldwide across Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia and Croatia. With the addition of the Sutton Coldfield location, Harvey Norman’s UK portfolio now includes:

  • Merry Hill Shopping Centre: flagship store (opened 2024)
  • Belfast: Boucher Road and Holywood Exchange
  • Sutton Coldfield: the Gracechurch Centre (new UK headquarters)

For more information about the soft launch or to explore product ranges, visit the new store at the Gracechurch Centre starting Thursday 2 April.

News

Sutton Coldfield one of the happiest places in the West Midlands

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Sutton Coldfield is one of the happiest places in the West Midlands according to a new survey. The borough came fourth across the region, behind Stratford, Leamington and neighbouring Lichfield.

The results came after estate agents Rightmove asked 35,000 people across Britain how they feel about where they live and analysed the results.

Rightmove said its study indicates that, overall, residents in Scotland, Wales and the South West are most happy with where they live, while those in the East and West Midlands are the least happy.

The only place in the West Midlands to make the top 20 this year was Stratford, which ranked number 13, with Sutton rated a still creditable 36th on the Rightmove list.

Rightmove looked at topics such as how proud residents feel about where they live, their sense of belonging to an area, community spirit, whether they can be themselves, whether they can earn enough to live comfortably in their area, public transport, sports and recreation, green spaces and artistic and cultural activities when curating their ranking.

Four Oaks resident Marion James said it was a great area to live.

She added: “We have live here for quite a few years now and the place has much to offer with good housing, schools, decent restaurants and having the beauty of Sutton Park on the doorstep.

“The Christmas market has also livened up the town centre.”

The study also found that Gen-Z generation (18 to 24-year-olds) were the most likely to say that they thought they would be happier living in a different area, while those aged 55-plus were the least likely.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert, said: “It’s the younger generation who are most likely to say they would be happier living somewhere else, many of whom have to travel to cities for education or to find their first jobs.”

News

 Sutton Coldfield resident reveals secret to living to 101

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A resident at a care home in Sutton Coldfield celebrated her 101st birthday and revealed the secret to a long life.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, when resident Joy McCliskie celebrated her 101st birthday. 

Reflecting on her long life, Joy said that “trying McDonald’s for the first time at the age of 100” was a highlight. Joy added: “I never feel too old to learn new things”.

She also revealed that the secret to a long life is having a “good set of genes and to keep active”.

On the big day, the home team organised a party surrounded by her friends and family at Mercia Grange. In true celebratory fashion, the team decorated the home’s lounge with balloons, banners and surprised Joy with a special birthday cake, baked by the one of team at the home, for everyone to enjoy. 

Commenting on the day, Joy said: “My favourite part of the day was see my whole family – there were over 20 people at my party! I really enjoyed the cake and being surrounded by family and friends.”

When asked how Joy feels to be 101, she smiled and said: “I feel the same”.

Joy was born in Oldbury on 5th November 1923, before moving to Sutton Coldfield after marrying her husband, Douglas, in 1948. She worked as an SEN orthopaedic nurse at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital for her entire career.

A keen knitter, Joy has two daughters, Alison and Kate, and four grandchildren.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Joy is a beloved resident at Mercia Grange, and it was a pleasure to help her celebrate this tremendous milestone.

“Everything we do centres around helping residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions and Joy’s 101st birthday was no exception.

“It was a delight to hear her sound advice to living a long life which we can all learn from. Let’s all raise a glass in her honour – happy birthday, Joy!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Mercia Grange, please call Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Mackay, on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com