Almost a century old, TJ Hughes faced extinction in 2011 but its new owner has reversed its fortunes and now the company has returned to its previous warehouse off Edge Lane. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool-based discount retail chain TJ Hughes has moved its logistics operations back into a distribution centre it vacated in 2011.
The company, which trades from 20 UK stores, including its flagship outlet in London Road in Liverpool, has moved back into the 170,000 sq ft Space 170 warehouse building close to Edge Lane and the M62 motorway.
The move involves a consolidation of the retailer’s warehousing distribution operations into a single building and forms part of its continuing growth strategy through new store openings and the growth of their online business.
Long history
TJs opened its first store in Liverpool almost a century ago in 1925 and by 2011 operated out of 57 UK stores. However, in what was a tough period for UK retailers following the financial crash, the business collapsed into administration in June 2011.
It continued to trade through administration but with most of the stores closed. At its lowest point it had just six outlets remaining.
However in August 2011 the Benross Group, run by Liverpool-born wholesale entrepreneur Anil Juneja, bought the stores and the brand in a £2m deal and since then has successfully reversed its fortunes, reopening some stores that had closed, and now employing more than 900 people.
Private investors
TJs vacated Space 170 in 2011 and the building was vacant for a number of years before being acquired by private investors for a comprehensive refurbishment to provide remodelled and refurbished second-hand warehouse building.
Jon Thorne from B8 Real Estate who brokered the deal for TJs to return on behalf of the landlord, said: “We are pleased to have attracted such a well-known retailer to the building and the deal represents a positive new story at a time when a number of high street retailers are facing difficulties.
“Over recent years we have advised on the disposal, refurbishment and re-marketing of this building so it is pleasing to have secured a successful letting which also demonstrates the value of modernising second-hand buildings to make them suitable for modern occupiers and enables landlords to secure rental growth.”
B8 Real Estate acted as joint agents with BC Real Estate on behalf of the landlord for this transaction.