By Ellis Butcher

Last updated at 13:01, Wednesday, 22 August 2012

A long-standing independent furniture store has expanded what it offers to older customers and those with mobility problems, creating new jobs at the same time.

Donaldsons Furniture Store in Carlisle has resisted overtures from big companies wanting to occupy the large street-facing floor-space which was vacated when gift shop Alternative moved out.

Instead, Donaldsons has now completed and opened a section dedicated to those with mobility issues or disabilities.

Business owner Giles Vasey said the move helped create two new jobs.

The changes are designed to help prevent vulnerable customers in the city being pressured into buying over-priced goods by cold callers. Products like lift-and-rest recliners, mattresses and stairlifts can sometimes be pushed by unscrupulous door-to-door traders preying on certain areas of the city.

Cumbria Trading Standards suggest around 200 cold calls are made every year with the Lowry Hill area of the city identified as a particular problem, although a No Cold Calling Zone scheme has been brought in.

The new development has involved widening the browsing aisles, so customers can easily navigate in wheelchairs, as well as installing ramps. The floorspace has been deliberately based in the two street-facing showrooms with double doors to make it easier for customers.

Mr Vasey, the third generation of his family to run the store, said: “We had quite a lot of offers from other companies wanting to take over that part and got quite a large offer from a national company to take over a lot of the showroom area but we wanted to make a dedicated place for mobility. It’s now a good environment and we’re very happy to let people browse in their own time.

“You hear of a lot of these products being sold door-to-door and it’s extortionate the prices they charge, so all we are trying to do is offer an alternative to that and make it easier for people to come in or to ring us up.”

First published at 11:24, Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk