Family firm 'Halls' heads south

Halls in Wellsford may be closing its doors on August 21, but there’s hope that the store may re-open later in the year if there’s sufficient outcry from former customers.

Owner David Hall has issued a challenge to Wellsford.

“It’s a case of use it or lose it; we are relocating to Warkworth because sales at Wellsford have dropped and we are re-evaluating and restructuring, he says.

“However, since we notified our clients of this fact there’s been a huge reaction; it’s obvious that they want us to stay in town.”

There’s also been an increase in sales since news got out that the store was to shut.
“If we’d seen the same thing happening over the last four months, we’d perhaps not have made the decision to relocate,” he says.

David’s parents Phil and Carolyn Hall own the building, and David still has the lease until next year. He says he’s serious about re-opening but “we’d have to have the sales to do this”.

Meanwhile, Wellsford staff have either been offered work at the Warkworth shop, or found new jobs.

“One of the reasons for rationalising was to look after all staff’s best interests. They are like family to us.”

Halls opened in Wellsford 40 years ago. “We remain committed to the town,” said David.