A NEW branch of the furniture store DFS has opened its doors to customers in Barrow today.

DFS has unveiled its new store where Aldi used to be in Hindpool Retail Park.

The 12,700ft space will be the company’s second store in Cumbria, with the nearest stores previously in Carlisle, Preston and Bolton.

The Barrow store has also created six new jobs. DFS received more than 650 applications for the positions. Cheryl Park, store manager at DFS, said she was 'thrilled' to be opening the new branch in Barrow.

She said: “We’re delighted to be able to open the doors to our brand new DFS store in Barrow.

"As we all spend more time at home, it’s more important than ever to have somewhere comfortable to relax and so we can’t wait to inspire local customers with our wide array of stylish products.

"At DFS, we have a long and proud history of offering the best in British design and manufacturing, and I’m thrilled to be working with my highly skilled team to share this expertise with our customers and help them find the perfect sofa for their home.” DFS has been hand making sofas for more than 50 years, many in one of its own three factories here in the UK.

The new store will host a wide range of sofas, dining and bedroom furniture, including products from its exclusive ranges with House Beautiful, French Connection, Country Living and Joules.

Each DFS retail colleague receives extensive training and the store’s team of experts will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to help Barrow customers find their perfect sofa, with choices to suit a wide variety of tastes and budgets. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DFS has introduced extensive hygiene processes and safety measures across its estate, which will be in practice at the new store.

These measures include comprehensive staff training to ensure consistent adherence to social distancing, daily temperature checks for all employees and limiting the number of customers in the showroom at any one time, as well as hand sanitiser stations and increased cleaning of high contact areas. Customers will be able to visit the store at their leisure, or use DFS’ new appointment service, available for those who would prefer to visit the store at a specific time.

Visitors are also welcome to pop-in to test the comfort of a product and then complete their order online. The new store will be open to the public from 10am today.