Business Hour
The new Boundary Outlet has a fresh image, driven by Chief Executive Ben Bannister who is now at the helm. Gail Bailey went along to find out about the changes as the store bucks the retail trend
“ What a year it has been!” says Ben Bannister. It was never Ben’s intention to enter the family business but just 12 months ago all that changed, along with the entire branding, image, facilities and future vision of Boundary Mill.
“It was never on my radar to work in the business,” explains Ben. “But as I watched how the company was changing I began to realise I wanted to be a part of my father’s legacy and progress the business as I was so proud of what he had achieved.”
Richard Bannister opened Boundary Mill 37 years ago and was the first person to open a concession business in a mill store environment. The business began to grow, but it was as the recession hit the UK in the late 1980’s that the store went from strength to strength, with its ethos of providing good, sought-after fashion and homeware brands at discount prices.
“When I left education I had thought about going into the fashion industry. However, I was offered the site at the bottom of the new Boundary Mill car park in Colne, where I opened Banny’s Restaurant in 2008 at the age of 19, not knowing anything. But thankfully I had the support of a great team and the will to learn.
“For 11 years I still had no plans to enter the family business,” Ben says.
“But as I watched from a short distance away, I began to have a small appetite to come on board. My father and I sat down on several occasions to discuss it, and then one day my father said why don’t you do it then?”
At that point Ben said yes: “I think we were both in shock as we thought it would never happen!”
Walking through the store it is clear that Ben has put his heart and soul into the design and development of the new Boundary Outlet and his energy and enthusiasm is evident, not just from what he says, but also from the way he interacts with customers and staff.
“I have a fabulous team of people around me and what we have achieved in re-branding and developing Boundary Outlet, we have done together. It has been a phenomenal year!”
“Working alongside people, some of whom I have known my entire life, has reignited the family atmosphere that is so important to me and to the core of the business.”
While Boundary Outlet in Colne is the flagship store and head office, the same branding and shopping experience will be gradually cascaded to the other four stores in the group in Grantham, Newcastle, Sheffield and Walsall.
“What we have been keen to create is a whole experience when you visit a Boundary Outlet,” Ben explains. “Retail has changed so much and it is important for us to be reactive to that.”
Boundary Outlet has created a much simpler experience. The brands are clearly visible and the décor is calming and inviting and has been expertly done to reach out to all generations from those loyal to the store, who have been visiting for many years, to newer customers bringing their children and families.
“We want to cater for everyone and to that effect we have opened Bumbellini’s Café Pizzeria on the ground floor, where families can enjoy our rustic homemade woodfired pizzas and antipasti in an informal dining manner. The children can even get involved and make their own pizzas.”
With Bannisters Restaurant and afternoon tea for a more formal eating experience and BB’s Café for those with a little less time, there is something to suit everyone. There is also a fabulous new ice cream hut, Ricardo’s, which opened in the summer and houses a huge selection of ice-creams served in delicious waffle cones.
“We listen to our customers all the time,” says Ben, who spends much of his working day walking the shop floor chatting to customers and staff, getting feedback and listening to new ideas.
“I’m excited for the future and excited that I’ve had the opportunity to change and represent the business the way my father had originally built it,” explains Ben. “We have 2,500 people in the company and 1,000 of those are employed at Colne.
“I’m proud to be working alongside such equally passionate people and of the changes we have made – and are still are making.”
With a new website, app and magazine also about to launch these are truly exciting times for Ben and his team.
