One of Lowestoft's best-known department stores has reopened its doors after being bought by an influential Norfolk businessman.
Andrew Kerry, who owns the Mattressman franchise, has purchased the former Godfreys store, on Suffolk Road, and is giving the building a makeover to become Kerrys Home Furnishings.
He described his new investment as a 'destination store' where he hopes to build on the 'legacy' created by Godfreys, which traded in the town for nearly 40 years.
Mr Kerry is relocating his Lowestoft Mattressman store from the Triangle Market Place into the new building – which will start trading today (Friday).
Along with the beds and mattresses, Kerrys Kitchens will also open in the store, with furniture and home accessories expected to be in place by the middle of next month.
Mr Kerry also plans to introduce curtains, carpets and other soft furnishings in the summer, and aims to re-open the popular café.
About 20 jobs will be created for local people.
'I think it is great news for the town – otherwise this would have been a mothballed store at the end of the town with nobody in it,' Mr Kerry said.
'It is a destination store rather than a smaller itemed store – which would struggle in this location.'
The two businesses that were previously using the building, Godfreys IT and Fireworks@Godfreys, are no longer in the store.
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