WITH 433 years experience of styling Chester shoppers between them, long-serving colleagues at the Debenhams store in Chester took centre stage as they unveiled an extensive modernisation programme.

The new look store was officially re-launched to shoppers by 16 of the store’s longest-serving colleagues.

Store manager Kari Rodgers and the long serving colleagues launched the store with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the store’s entrance.

Mr Rodgers said: “Who better to re-launch our new look than the colleagues who have been such an integral part of the store for so long?”

The 16 colleagues were treated to makeovers courtesy of the store’s own personal shopping team and the beauty houses in the new-look beauty hall.

Long serving colleague Debbie Barber has worked at the store for the past 37 years. She said: “It was great to get glammed up for the re-launch.”

Louis Colli, who has also worked at the store for 37 years, added: “I’m thrilled to have been asked to help launch the new-look store, it was a lovely gesture."

In addition to the 16 colleagues who helped launch the store, there are another 10 team members who have more than 24 years long service.

Mr Rodgers added: “The fact that we have such a large number of colleagues I think speaks for itself. We have a great team here who all love working at Debenhams Chester and the modernisation has given the store, as well as the team, a new lease of life.”

The store, located in the famous Browns of Chester building, has undergone a complete revamp while retaining the original features that make the store so unique.

The entire cosmetics hall has been modernised with new flooring and improved lighting, while the original chandeliers have been refurbished and restored to their former glory.

New beauty brands including Origins, Philosophy and Bliss have been introduced, as well as the introduction of the first ever Tom Ford luxury counter outside of London and a new brow bar.

New and improved changing rooms, toilets and a personal shopper suite have also been introduced, all to the latest specification.

The store’s restaurant has also been updated and the crypt café, located in the building’s basement crypt, has received a complete overhaul with the introduction of a brand new concept café – The Tea Press.