A Cumbrian family-run business is set to take over the space vacated by Wilko in Workington this week. 

AA Carpets & Furnishing have confirmed they will move into the old Wilko premises at Ladies Walk - and will open its new showroom on Saturday March 23. 

The high-street hardware chain was forced to close in September 2023 after the company entered administration. 

The shop has remained vacant in the six months since but AA Carpets & Furnishing has seized the opportunity to expand the business and they are excited to open at the weekend. 

Assistant manager Catherine Clarke said: "AA Carpets have been going for over 30 years now. They've predominantly always been a carpets and flooring shop. Three years ago we started introducing a bit of furniture and it went really well. We were looking for a bigger space and the old Wilko was available so we've stripped it back to the bare bones and now its a full showroom."

During its 30 years, the business has been entirely focused on the flooring industry, building up a reputation for quality and reliability in both domestic and commercial flooring, but due to popular demand, it diversified and now offers a wide range of beds, mattresses, furniture and sofas.

Catherine added: "It's got every type of furniture you could want. I'm really pleased with how it has turned out. It's really good for the town. Hopefully once things get going, we will be able to employ lots more people as well. It's been relentless since early December when we started talks. We got the keys six weeks ago, and it's been non-stop since then. We didn't want to do it half-heartedly, we want it to look the part."

The 22,000 square feet showroom provides enough room to create a light and welcoming space and will include a wide range of furniture including sofa sets, beds, dining room and bedroom furniture. 

Catherine concluded: "Now it's all come together, I'm really proud of how it looks, it's really nice. We're excited to open on Saturday."