Country goods chain Countrywide has opened its 67th store in the UK with the launch on Saturday of its latest outlet, in Shrewsbury.
The opening of the branch, on Sundorne Retail Park, follows the retailer's recent acquisition of Cornwall Farmers, with its 12 country stores. Two more new stores are scheduled to open next month in Salisbury and near Swansea.

Countrywide says the Shrewsbury outlet will fill a gap in the town with its one-stop shop offer of country lifestyle goods, including everything for horse and rider, animal care, garden machinery and big name brands in footwear and clothing.

Thousands of Shrewsbury residents turned up to the grand opening, at which Deputy Mayor of Shrewsbury Councillor Ioan Jones cut the ribbon. Free attractions included animal corner, allowing families to play with rabbits, guinea pigs, donkeys, ducks and chickens.

A large number of shoppers also took advantage of opening offers, such as a better-than-half-price deal on selected Hunter wellies. A 20%-off voucher had also been circulated by post and in the local press prior to the store's opening. Hundreds of people signed up to Countrywide's loyalty scheme.

Other big brands at the store, which was previously Homebase, next to Go Outdoors, include Joules, Barbour, Ariat, Toggi, NAF, Stihl, Karcher, James Wellbeloved, Royal Canin and Canagan.

Countrywide also offers an extended range online and click-and-collect service.

Based in Evesham, Worcestershire, Countrywide employs more than 1,000 people across the UK and has an annual turnover of some £120m. The company is owned by 4,500 farmer shareholders and an increasing number of employees.

The business deals with more than 1,200 agri account customers and has in excess of 160,000 active loyalty card customers.