South Shields store staff have anxious wait after making national contest final

Wickes in South Shields is going head to head with its counterpart in Yeovil, Somerset, for the coveted title of the company’s best store.

Both venues have beaten stiff competition from its 346 stores from around the UK to make it to the final.

Now, staff have to wait to find out the outcome of an inspection to see whether they will be the victors.

The South Shields store in Station Road has already been awarded the company’s regional and divisional titles of the competition.

Manager Louise Skeoch said: “We are just over the moon. With the retail industry facing some bad times, it’s nice to have some good news.

“To make it through the rounds was amazing, but to think we could be named the best store in the country is fantastic.

“It’s the staff here who have done it. They are really driven and everyone works well as a team. We challenge each other where we need to and it works.

“I was gobsmacked when I was told we had made it to the finals to be honest. I am just so proud of what we have achieved.”

After winning the divisional title, the store was contacted to let them know they were one of two stores to make it to the final.

Yesterday, senior level managers and the Chief Executive Officer of the company visited the store where they took notes.

They will also visit the Yeovil store before making their decision.

Wickes supplies DIY and home improvement products to the general public and trade.