Stars turn out for Wolverhampton store launch
A landmark former bar in Wolverhampton has revealed its latest new look following a £500,000 revamp at a launch party graced by three footballing stars.
The building in Lichfield Street that was once a Midland Bank is now the new headquarters of the 16-store Diffusion clothes chain that has shops from London to Newcastle. The chain has had a presence in the city since its launch in 1989, first in Broad Street and more recently in Victoria Street.
Wolves legend Steve Bull, Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and Arsenal great Ian Wright unveiled the building's latest reincarnation last night. Former Wednesfield High School pupil Gerald Bailey, the 44-year-old boss of Diffusion, and business partner Carl Peddie, 45, have spent the last 12 weeks giving the 4,500 sq ft property its new look. It was packed with more than 250 people for last night's bash before opening for business today.
Diffusion, launched in the city in 1989, now employs 329 staff and has a multi-million pound annual turnover and its new HQ is spread over three floors with retail on the ground, admin on the first storey and the company's online internet site office on the top floor.
Mr Rav Rayet, Diffusion creative director, said: "There is a lot of history to the building and we have retained that while injecting some life into it. It is monochrome colours with a burst of pastels. It is something fresh and new for the city."
Mr Bailey, who lives in Tettenhall, added: "We want to set a higher standard for fashion in the region. It will take me a couple of days to appreciate the place because I have been so deeply involved in the project."
