For two hundred years there had been a hardware shop located at 72 King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire but sadly eventually the business had failed, and the shop was standing empty. In 1992 Valerie Byles, the current Managing Director of Wares of Knutsford, decided that the rat race was no longer for her and loving her adopted hometown as she did the idea of Wares of Knutsford was born. The stock for the shop was developed based on a request book kept on the counter and in next to no time the shop became known as an Aladdin’s Cave where customers received a personal service and good old-fashioned courtesy.
The business grew rapidly and moved to larger premises in Princess Street, Knutsford, where customers could find hardware, ironmongery, kitchenwares, pet supplies and a wonderful range of gifts. Sadly though, as has been the case in many small towns, the shopping culture began to change and with the expiry of the lease and hugely increasing overheads the retail outlet of Wares had to close.
Wares then became internet based evolving into the company it is today which was based at Goostrey in Cheshire for 15 years. Preserving became the focal point and over the last 15 years evolved into the widest range of jars, bottles and preserving equipment online.
During the pandemic Wares of Knutsford has been able to provide a service to thousands of businesses that had to turn to takeaway and delivery ways of working. Despite the difficulties of supply and demand, Wares has been able to step up to the challenge largely due to the heroic efforts of the staff. The business therefore outgrew its country base and needed to move to larger premises. The management and staff are very happy to have found the ideal unit at premier park and have already discovered neighbours to be very helpful and welcoming.
The BID board would like to welcome Wares of Knutsford to Winsford 1-5 and wish the all the success in the future.
