Around 30 coach operators and tour organisers joined a launch event for a new Millstores establishment in Cleveleys on the Fylde Coast in late January, with the shop offering coach parking directly outside or easy drop-off and pick-up from a roadside location.
Millstores in Cleveleys is located in a former Wilkinsons premises on Nutter Road. It is part of the growing retail portfolio of Jonathan Addis and Simon Yates, who already engage with coach tour operators via their Ena Mill outlet in Greater Manchester and their Courtyard store in Tarleton.
Steve Reed Tourism coordinated the launch event. Mayor of Cleveleys Cllr Steve Nicholls unveiled Millstores from the cab of a Yutong GT12 supplied by nearby operator Walton’s Coaches of Freckleton.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, Blackpool Transport, and Wyre Council. Walton’s Coaches additionally provided a tour of the Fylde coast to attendees.
Among other operators and organisers present were Belle Vue (Manchester), Ellen Smith Tours of Rochdale, China Europe Travel of London, and Windmill Tours of Ipswich.
A further highlight was the involvement of Care for Cleveleys volunteers led by local champion Jane Littlewood. Guests also enjoyed a walking tour of the town followed by an informal networking session focused on group travel and coach tourism.
Speaking about the event, Mr Addis says: “We are delighted to welcome the coach industry to our latest retail outlet. Millstores is ideally suited to group visits, with excellent access and parking for coaches.
“The traders and volunteers of Cleveleys helped to make the event such a success, and we thank them for their warm and enthusiastic support.”
