Safety equipment supplier Arco has officially opened its new retail store in Hull, with help from television pundit and former footballer Paul Merson.
The Hull firm, one of the city’s best-known historic family businesses, has relocated its shop as part of a major relocation of its own headquarters.
Customers flocked through the doors of Arco’s new store, at Hull’s Link 63 Industrial Park, as the UK’s leading safety equipment specialist announced a string of opening day offers.
Former Arsenal star and now Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson also dropped in at the new store, to cut the ribbon and open it to the public.
Paul Frewin, head of retail at Arco, said: “The new Hull store will offer customers the best possible selection of products and services with our own in store experts available to offer advice and training.
“We are confident that local tradesmen will enjoy the new location within the busy industrial estate, due to the improved accessibility and convenience to neighbouring stores.”
The new store, at Hull’s Link 63 industrial park, stocks more than 2,000 of Arco’s safety products.
Visitors can also brand workwear in-store and try on workwear and safety footwear for comfort and fit.
Experts from Arco will be on-hand to provide expert advice on safety, and recommend professional safety services including consultancy, training, services and products for working at height, confined spaces and respiratory management.
Arco’s old store was at its current headquarter site in Waverley Street.
However, later this year Arco will move into new, £16m offices in Hull’s thriving Fruit Market area, as its current home is demolished as part of construction of a major infrastructure scheme in the city centre.
Arco has relocated its store ahead of the HQ move later in 2020.
The Hull business has also confirmed its new £25m National Distribution Centre, close to the A63 dual carriageway in Hessle, is expected to be operational in early February.
Speaking about Arco’s upcoming headquarters, company MD David Evison said: “We’ve taken this opportunity to create a modern workplace that has been designed to ensure our colleagues thrive and new talent emerges.
“Features such as open plan, collaborative workspaces, social meeting areas, a glass fronted atrium and an auditorium for colleague presentations will boost our company culture and drive employee engagement.
“We’re particularly pleased that our new head office will support the regeneration of Hull’s Fruit Market, to ensure the city remains vibrant and commercially successful.”
