New crafts and fabric store opens in West Street

The Hamblins expressed their delight at opening their eighth South East store in Horsham, paying tribute to the look and the feel of the town centre, celebrating with cake and champagne.

As well as providing curtains, blinds and shutters, they also have a first floor dedicated to crafts that include dress fabrics, patchwork, haberdashery, knitting wools and paper craft.

Karen Perdreau, store manager at the new premises on West Street, said: “I’ve worked with the company for 13 years and its marvellous for to me to see the store transformed from a building site.”

She described the setup as a bit of an alladin’s cave, providing the basics as well as some things customers might not necessarily expect.

Bryan Hamblin, who has turned the running of the family business, founded in 1933, over to his three sons Tom, James and Roddy Hamblin, also handed over ribbon-cutting duties to his uncle Keith Hamblin.

He said that the company had been looking at Horsham as a location for 10 or 15 years, but until now the proper conditions had never arisen.

“We originally were going to move in November, but the delays gave us a chance to develop our team’s knowledge and get everything right,” Bryan explained.

“It was a struggle but it makes this day even more special.”

The new store will employ 25 full and part-time workers and hopes to produce work for 15 freelancers in display, curtain making and track fitting.

Keith added: “It’s been terrific and especially pleasant coming here because since I was last here Horsham Town Centre has changed absolutely.”

For information visit www.candh.co.uk or call the store on 01403 246978.