Retailer's return to Tavistock hailed as sign of growing confidence

AN electrical appliance retailer has announced its return to Tavistock, after an 18-year break, writes Alison Stephenson.

- Alison Stephenson

The Granito Lounge, in Tavistock

(Alison Stephenson)

Hockridge Appliance Centre is moving into the Towls electrical and domestic appliance store, in Brook Street, in the West Devon town.

Towls is closing after 53 years of operation. Launceston-based Hockridge is expected to open its doors at the site in December, in time for Tavistock’s Dickensian Evening.

Owner Karl Hockridge said he was delighted to bring the family firm back to Tavistock, and would be taking on all the existing staff from Towls and increasing the workforce as a result of the business opening its second shop.

The firm spent 12 years in Tavis-tock, but closed for commercial reasons back in the early 2000s. Mr Hockridge said, when he became aware of Towls closing, he saw a good opportunity to come back.