Newry furniture firm destroyed by fire re-opens in new city location

The owners of Sheepbridge Interiors were left “devastated beyond belief” when the blaze on April 11 severely damaged their premises.

Despite the massive set-back the team has been working hard, fulfilling online orders and endeavouring behind the scenes to become fully operational once again.

That hard work finally paid off on Friday morning when the doors open at their new shop at The Quays.

“What a whirlwind the last four weeks have been — rollercoaster might be the better word,” a post from Sheepbridge Interiors read on Facebook.

"It's hard to even describe. On this day four weeks ago, a fire brought everything to a halt. Our business — built with the passion and dedication of family and friends — was suddenly floored. But we know others face worse, and we chose to face the challenge head-on.

“Today, just four weeks later, we are reopening. We’re back — and we couldn’t be more excited!”

They said that their recovery has only been possible thanks to “the incredible team spirit, relentless hard work, and generous understanding” of the community.

“We want to sincerely thank everyone who helped us get back on our feet so quickly — suppliers, tradesmen, delivery drivers, Arcadian IT (who dropped everything to make it happen), Michael McCaul Signs (an unbelievable turnaround!), Aston Finch Bespoke Sofas, our new Partner in fabric sofas for affordable prices and everyone who lent a hand or offered words of encouragement. From all of us at Team Sheepbridge Interiors — THANK YOU!”

They gave a special mention to their former Newry North Business Park community: “Harry, Liz, Dee, Chris, Alan’s Car Wash & Valeting, The Box and the Brew Garden (fed everyone the night of the fire and accommodated us since as a make shift office) and Fiona from Tiddly Town — you kept us going when things felt impossible.

"You lifted our spirits, pushed us forward, and reminded us to smile. We are forever grateful. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t begin to cover it.

“And to The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry — what can we say except WOW. When we showed up, essentially business-homeless, you opened your arms and did everything humanly possible to help us start again. No exaggeration: you’ve been phenomenal. Your team reminds us of our own — tight-knit, hardworking, and completely committed.

"You’ve shown what it means to support local, and we’ll never forget it. You deserve the full support of this entire community.”