Winning Ways
Blundells Hardware is a local landmark in Longton and now it’s gaining accolades, writes Stephanie Sparrow
Hardware shops are a great British institution, and none more so than Blundells of Longton. Established in 1948, this Liverpool Road store, framed by blue canopies and balustrades, is renowned for its eye-catching appearance – enhanced by the pavement displays which proprietor Nick Thompson and his team put out each morning, bringing in at dusk.
Their dedication to detail has just been rewarded. Blundells has won the best kept shop category in the annual Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition.
“We were delighted to win,” says Nick, who bought the store in 2015, “but also humbled. And we must thank the local tradespeople who help maintain the frontage and keep the hedges tidy. We should also thank the previous owner Graham Blundell who was inspired by Southport’s Lord Street to add the wrought iron walkways to this iconic building in 1992.”
To celebrate four years of renovation and development Nick has commissioned an old-style station clock, to be installed over the store’s doorway this month.
Talking of nostalgia, Blundells is busy creating fun and traditional window displays for the festive season. “Shoppers, perhaps calling in to buy one of our real Christmas trees, grown in Ormskirk, will see a nativity scene,” says Nick, “while elsewhere in the window ‘gingerbread’ characters, made from clay, bear a striking resemblance to our team. Can you guess who’s who?”
Blundells
155-161 Liverpool Road
Longton, Preston PR4 5AB
01772 612365
