A well known company is making a comeback to the Merseyside seaside town
Formby Cycles closed down earlier this year
A loved Merseyside brand is returning to Formby after eight years. Taskers is currently preparing to open a new home store in the former Formby Cycles premises on Altcar Road.
The ECHO reported earlier this year that the cycling shop was closing after more than 30 years in business. At the helm of the Formby Cycles team from its opening was Phil Harvey, who first joined the company when it was owned by Dave Mitchell, trading as Cycle Sports from premises on Harrington Road.
In 2003, the business became part of Taskers Group. Now, years after the retailer closed its previous Formby store on Church Road in January 2018, Taskers is set to return to the seaside town.
Posting the news of the upcoming store, Taskers said: “Formby. We’re coming for you. Taskers’ home is officially opening in Formby this August and we could not be more excited. The countdown is officially on.”
The original store closed as part of a major restructuring of the business. At the time, the company cited challenging economic and trading conditions, saying it needed to focus its efforts on its larger stores and online operation.
A household name since the 1950s, Taskers has been a favourite with generations of families across the region. The brand is renowned for its large showrooms, extensive collections of lounge, dining and bedroom furniture, as well as its hugely popular Christmas displays and festive departments. Its flagship showroom is located on Long Lane.
New to the Long Lane store this year is a joint venture between Taskers and Crosby’s The Bus Yard, known as 1958 Bistro. Situated inside the iconic Liverpool home and lifestyle destination, it offers shoppers a break from browsing to enjoy everything from light daytime bites to hot meals.
The Bus Yard owner, Andy Laird, previously said: “We popped up at Taskers over the Christmas period and were overwhelmed by the love and support we received from Liverpool and beyond, with so many people visiting to shop for their home interiors.
“Opening permanently inside Taskers is a huge step for us. It’s been an institution in the city for so long and is the perfect local brand for us to partner with.
“We’re really excited to be part of the Taskers experience, giving visitors somewhere cosy to sit, eat and take a break while they explore the store.”
To begin, guests can opt for homemade soup or sweet French toast topped with berry compote. Savoury choices include soft brioche buns filled with bacon, loin and sausage, alongside freshly prepared sandwiches, flaky sausage rolls and quiches.
Those with a bigger appetite can choose from colourful poke bowls or a selection of hearty hot dishes. Traditional favourites include hot pot served with braised red cabbage, rich shepherd’s pie and a rotating chef’s pasta special.
A classic steak and ale pie finished with golden puff pastry sits on the menu next to a fragrant chicken butter curry with basmati rice, whereas plant-based diners are also catered for, with options such as falafel-filled pittas.
