Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Independent specialist chain Abraxas Cookshop is 20 years old this year, on July 12.
The business was founded by sisters Helen Sparrow and Sarah George in 1996, when they opened the original Abraxas Cookshop at Heart of The Shires Shopping Village near Weedon in Northamptonshire. Abraxas Cookshop is situated on the top floor of a 3,000sq ft Dutch barn.
They said: “We are a specialist cookshop, catering for everyone who loves cooking and entertaining, from the enthusiastic beginner to the professional chef. Our focus has always been on customer service, with knowledgeable and approachable staff always on hand to guide and advise.
“We are delighted to have reached this 20 year milestone! We’ve met lots of interesting people, made some great friends along the way, and still love our business just as much as when we first started in 1996. We would like to thank everyone for their help and support over the years.”
The sisters have since opened branches in Rugby (Warwickshire), Banbury (Oxfordshire) and Northampton town centre.
In March 2004 Abraxas launched a second branch 12 miles away from the original store, on 8 Regent Street in Rugby. A renovation was carried out in keeping with the nineteenth century building, which features high ceilings and covings.
In November 2004 Abraxas China & Glass opened at 15 Regent Street in Rugby, stocking cutlery, glassware, dinnerware, tabletop accessories and christening presents.
In June 2005 a branch made its debut in Banbury’s Market Place, and in November 2008 Abraxas took on premises at 40 – 42 St Giles Street in Northampton. A ‘virtual shop’ (Abraxas On-Line) followed in April 2013 at www.abraxascookshop.com.
