FROM LITHOGRAPHY TO LINE RENTAL - ORANGE GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH OPENING OF NEW STORE IN YORK

York, 23 January 2009: The heritage listed building at 35 Coney Street, York, has always had a history of having ‘something to say' and this seems destined to continue thanks to telecommunications giant, Orange.

This week, Orange opened its new state-of-the-art store on the remarkable site, which has also been home to a Lithography and Engraving business in the 1870s and a Music Shop for more than 50 years, proving communication has remained at the heart of its 180-year history*.

Diane Hunter, Store Manager, Orange Shop, York, is amazed that the building has links to the past, present and future of communications.

“In 1872, 35 Coney Street, was home to Francis Monkhouse, a Lithographer and Engraver. Lithography is one of the oldest communications practices in the world, developed to transfer text to materials like newspapers, magazines and posters.

“Ironically, in 2009, it will now be home to a business that specialises in another method of communication that can be used to transfer text — the mobile phone!

“It was also a music store between the 1890s and 1940s which is quite incredible considering how mobile phones and music have morphed together in recent times.”

Although the store's site is clearly steeped in communications and entertainment history, Orange is equally excited about its future. The new store bucks the recent trend of retail outlets, creating 8 new jobs, with staff benefiting from accredited training at Orange's Centre of Excellence, demonstrating a commitment to both local employees and customers.

Paula McDonald, Area Manager, Orange, is confident can be a success even in the current challenging economic climate.

“We intend to provide customers with an improved telecommunications experience so they can make truly gauged decisions on their needs. As such, we have invested heavily in training for our local staff via our ‘Centres of Excellence' programme which provides accredited training in areas such as customer experience and business management,” says Ms McDonald.

“In terms of size, the Coney Street store is one of the biggest in the UK, reflecting the passion the local area has for the latest telecommunications products.

“With more than an estimated 221,000 potential mobile phone customers in the region, we believe it can become one of the top 20 performing stores in the UK.”

Orange is investing heavily in its retail network, opening more than 60 new stores in 2009 and refurbishing more than 100, all of which will take on the new flagship format on display in York.

The features of the flagship format stores include private consultation areas for customers, with PCs and screens to connect people to the information they need, and modernised displays making it easier for the public to browse and view the products on show.

To find out more about what's available from Orange, visit the team at the Orange Shop, Coney Street, York which is open now or check out www.shop.orange.co.uk.

ENDS