Dunelm superstore to open with festive fanfare at Flemingate

The new Dunelm superstore at Beverley’s Flemingate centre will open this week with music, free food and drink, competitions and giveaways, and a visit from Father Christmas.

The UK’s No. 1 homewares retailer has taken over the former Debenhams department store to become Flemingate’s new anchor operator.

Dunelm has taken a 10-year lease on the two-storey unit to bring its new multi-department superstore format to the thriving retail and leisure destination.

The 41,000 sq ft store will open to shoppers on Thursday, with a range of festive activities and entertainment to mark the special occasion.

Dunelm Facebook followers can attend a preview from 8am-9am, before it opens to all shoppers at 9am. The first 30 preview attendees will receive a free goody bag containing gifts to the value of £20, as well as a £10 Dunelm gift card, and just have to show they are a Facebook follower on their phone.

The first 50 customers after 9am will receive a £10 Dunelm gift card and 20 “golden tickets” containing gift cards ranging in value from £5-£20 will also be hidden around the store.

Beverley Brass Band will be performing two 45-minute slots from 9am, there will be festive biscuit decorating workshops from 10am-11am and 1pm-2pm and Santa will be greeting shoppers from 8am-1pm.

There will be 200 Christmas cupcakes being given away to customers, as well as free biscuits.

A raffle and other fundraising activities will be taking place throughout the day in aid of mental health charity Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.

An additional draw will give Facebook followers the chance to win a £100 Dunelm gift card, and they will also be able to get free hot drinks and little tasters at the Pausa coffee shop within the store and a pop-up cart outside.

Store Manager Stuart Welburn said: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening our new Flemingate superstore just in time for Christmas.

“Our new multi-department store format will offer a great shopping experience to our customers in Beverley and the surrounding area, providing them with everything they need to create the stylish homes of their dreams. 

“We’ve laid on fantastic array of festive activities and giveaways to make the opening even more special – come along and join in the fun.”

The new store will be open until 6pm on Thursday and will then from 9am-4pm on Christmas Eve and 9.30am-4pm on Boxing Day, with the first 30 minutes just for browsing. The store will be open 9am-6pm next Monday to Thursday, 9am-4pm on New Year’s Eve, and 9am-6pm on New Year’s Day.

Dunelm is firmly established as the UK’s leading homewares retailer, with an unrivalled range, including exclusive brands and own-label products, and a growing presence in the furniture market.

The retailer has 50,000 product lines and is renowned for helping customers create homes they love by offering choice, value, quality and style.

The Flemingate store opening is the latest in a series of positive announcements about investment at the centre, which is owned and operated by property developer Wykeland Group.

It follows the opening of a store bringing together Sports Direct, the UK’s leading sportswear and sports equipment retailer, and streetwear and fashion brand USC. Urban playground operator Jump Inc has also taken over and relaunched Flemingate’s inflatable play park.

David Donkin, Wykeland Property Director, said: “The opening of the new Dunelm superstore this week is further tremendous news for Flemingate.

“The centre is flourishing, with new store openings, increased footfall and renewed confidence, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. We’ve continued to invest and develop the centre throughout this time and shoppers are now reaping the benefits.”