NEWS
Febraury/March 2026
housewareslive.net
Market Cookshop’s Libby Gliksman raises over £1,000 with Shrewsbury Market Hall performance as appeal tops £32,000
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hrewsbury Market Hall was “filled with love” as Libby Gliksman, owner of Market Cookshop, performed from the balcony in aid of the Perches House fire appeal, helping push
total fundraising past £32,000. Shoppers and visitors gathered to watch the live performance, donating generously, with Ms Gliksman raising £1,032 on the day. Reflecting afterwards, she said: “The market hall was filled with
love. Everyone came together and supported the event and I am thrilled with how much I raised. The nerves were horrendous though!” The fundraiser supports the rebuilding of Perches House, the
Grade II* listed building on Castle Street that was devastated by fire earlier this year. The appeal is led by Jess Richards, whose mother, Rose Roberts, 81, tragically died in the blaze, which also destroyed her home and business.
Ms Gliksman said she was deeply affected by the tragedy and felt compelled to help, adding the story resonated on a personal level. She described the loss of the historic building, restored over decades
by Roberts, as devastating. Market Cookshop, based in
the Market Hall, is an offshoot of her family’s Oswestry business, Upstairs Downstairs, and she said the venue was the natural place to host the fundraiser. Perches House, a four-
storey medieval townhouse dating back to the 14th century, suffered extensive damage, including the loss of its roof and original oak staircase. While the building can be saved, around £100,000 is needed to stabilise it. It was uninsured at the time. Ms Gliksman said the event aimed to help “raise the roof” of
the market hall to put one back on Perches House—something the community is now helping to achieve.
Leekes unveils next phase of £10 million Llantrisant store transformation
Bryony Dyer celebrates 30 years at Dexam
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eekes marked St David’s Day weekend with the launch of the latest phase of its £10 million
investment programme at its flagship Llantrisant store, part of a major, multi-year transformation. Following 10 months of renovation
across more than 30,000 sq ft, the family-owned retailer unveiled two redesigned departments: homestyling and clothing & footwear. Both were created with a focus on how customers prefer to shop. Emma Leeke, Managing Director
of Leekes Retail, said the project was driven by customer experience. “Remodelling isn’t just about
refreshing a space, it’s about strengthening our relationship with customers and improving every visit,” she said. The relaunch came less than a year after a fire at the store.
6 | The new homestyling department
brought together home essentials— from bedding and curtains to cookware and lighting, into one cohesive space designed to inspire. The retailer also expanded its brand offer, with names including Le Creuset, Shark/Ninja, Joseph Joseph and Brabantia. Leekes’ growing clothing range
was reflected in the new fashion department, which featured more than 20 concession partners, including new brands such as Raging Bull and Klass. Footwear was also introduced, with Pavers set to arrive in April. The launch was celebrated
over St David’s Day weekend with themed refreshments and in-store entertainment. Leekes said continued investment
in stores and customer experience remained key in a competitive retail market.
n 19 February, Dexam’s Managing Director Bryony Dyer marked
an extraordinary milestone, 30 years with the company, a journey spanning half her lifetime and reflecting major change across both the business and the housewares industry. Joining in 1996 in a finance
role, she progressed to Finance Director before becoming Managing Director in 2016. Her three decades at Dexam were defined by growth, resilience and a deep passion for the home and kitchenware sector. “Dexam has been a huge part of my life,” she said. “It’s
been a rollercoaster at times. We navigated Brexit, Covid, the sudden loss of a significant proportion of our turnover almost overnight, global shipping disruption and wider political challenges. Like many businesses, we had to adapt quickly and think creatively.” Director Howard Bradley praised her contribution, highlighting her progression through the company and leadership during challenging periods. He noted her role in steering Dexam through Brexit and the pandemic, describing her journey from accounts to Managing Director as benefiting the whole business. Reflecting on the wider industry, Ms Dyer said she had built
lasting relationships throughout her career. She described trade shows as opportunities to reconnect, share ideas and strengthen the sense of community that defines the sector. “I’ve loved being part of Dexam’s story and helping shape
its future,” she added. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team and grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
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