Stoller’s Furniture Stores announced work had started on its new superstore for Holker Street in June 1994.

Managing director Dave Stoller, who was Barrow born and bred, released plans which revealed his firm’s new store would be two storeys high and would have 70,000 sq feet, of floor space.

Open seven days a week, the furniture store would stock many new product lines, including beds, upholstery, cabinets, carpets, curtains and fitted kitchens and bedrooms.

As well as “massive” car parking space, other customer perks would include a restaurant and children’s play area.

Mr Stoller said the time for expansion was right as the company had outgrown its current four stores and could not keep up with demand.

Mr Stoller said: “We are feeling very optimistic and very excited about the future.

“I’m feeling confident about the future of Barrow. A lot of people play the town down when they should be doing the reverse.”

In December the doors of Stollers’ new Barrow megastore opened.

Barrow Mayor Betty Willacy cut the ribbon to officially open the Holker Street superstore and scores of customers poured in to see the impressive building.

As well as furniture there was a restaurant, gift area, a furnished show house built into the centre of the store and a children’s area.

The policy of offering a free bag of sweets for every child who passed through the doors was still in evidence.

Cllr Willacy said: "Stollers is synonymous with making quality goods for Barrow people and I wish them every success."

The 40 workers employed at the Dalton Road store had all moved to Holker Street and 23 new jobs had been created.

Owner David Stoller said: "We have invested a lot of time and finances into this venture and we are confident the people of the area will back us. We will continue to give them the service they've become accustomed to over 90 years of trading."