Spalding traders and councillors welcome news that Coneys are taking over Hills Department Store

One of Spalding’s most popular stores has been saved from folding – and traders think the move will be a boost for the town centre’s footfall and economy.

Hills Department Store in Broad Street announced in October that it would be closing after 60 years’ trading – but now a deal is in place to save the famous old shop... and 25 jobs. Plans are also afoot to reopen the popular Riverside Cafe.

Scott Crowson, managing director of Coneys of Boston and Lincoln, will be relaunching Hills in the spring after agreeing a deal to buy the store from the Turner family.

In September, the Turners had announced closure, with the loss of 25 jobs. Now the redundancy notices have been withdrawn.

Mr Crowson said: “I have been in the shop before and thought it was a beautiful store. When I saw it was to close, I thought that would be a shame as we had seen the demise of Oldrids in Boston. I thought I could help and that is when I made contact with the directors and next thing we are in take-over talks.

“The council welcomed our early discussion and were pleased to be consulted and we have been guaranteed their support and backing.” The council hopes that a relaunched Hills, once the legal formalities on the sale are complete, can provide a catalyst to give others the confidence to open and invest in the retail sector within Spalding town centre.

Hills is anticipating a full relaunch in the spring with new suppliers and ranges throughout the store and expanding established brands already in situ.

Spalding Market Traders Association vice-chairman Julie Newman thinks that Coneys will bring people from further afield to the town and said: “It is wonderful news. People will come to the town from further afield to visit the store – it will bring them to town.”

Darren Sutton, who is the general manager of Charmed Interiors and Bookmark, said: “I am pleased that the people are going to keep their jobs and it will keep the store in the town - it is really good news.”

Council leader Gary Porter added: “In the face of national chains closing left, right and centre, it is good that a local entrepreneur has got the get up and go. I was reassured by the level of commitment.”

Cabinet member Harry Drury, who is leading on plans to improve Spalding town centre, said: “I am extremely excited to hear that not only are we not going to have another empty shop but we are going to be welcoming such a fantastic business into our town.

“It is recognised locally as being a high quality store and I am really excited for the future plans. It will continue to draw people to that area of the town.”

MP John Hayes added: “It is incredibly good news and that is really a shot in the arm for Spalding and the high street generally.”

A spokesperson for the current owners said they were committed to working with Mr Crowson to secure new stock in the coming months.

The statement said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to announce such good news before Christmas. Whilst there remains a long way to go to complete the deal, we are optimistic about the future and thankful that the buyer wishes to retain all our staff and has indicated that post-COVID he would anticipate looking to rebuild the workforce towards former levels.

“A provisional date within February is when both parties hope that a sale can be completed.”