TWO stores put at risk of closure during lockdown have celebrated reopening.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill, in Llandudno, and Craftcentre Cymru, in Conwy, were rescued following a management buyout by Purepay in January.

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, on Mostyn Street, which has four staff members after four roles were lost since last April, reopened on April 12 and is seeing a steady return of customers.

Hollie Williams, store manager, said: “Local customers are thrilled that we are staying open as there are very few shops for our customers after stores like Debenhams and Outfit. The last thing we need is another large unit empty on Mostyn Street so the reopening is good for everyone.

“It was a very difficult period for staff, not knowing whether we would reopen or not. There was a lot of uncertainty until shortly after Christmas when we found out about the buyout.

“It is quite quiet at the moment but we are now moving onwards and upwards and waiting for things to go back to normal.”

Craftcentre Cymru was also able to reopen with its five staff following the buyout.

Julie Linegar, store supervisor, said: “It has been a very difficult year, a strange year but we are here, we have bounced back and we are quite lucky.

“It is a massive relief as we have lost a lot of stores. To find out we had a new buyer and reopening meant staff still had jobs.

“We have had regular customers and tourists back through and tourists back through the door and they are really happy that we are still here.

“We are not quite back to normal yet but we are here and let’s hope it is a busy summer and people come in to support us.”