Blackpool's OMOTO Store goes from heartbreak to hope ahead of grand reopening after Waterloo Road fire

After months of heartbreak, uncertainty, and determination, OMOTO Store on Waterloo Road is preparing to open its doors once again following the devastating fire that tore through the Smart Mart Buildings earlier this year.

For owner Lola, Friday 6th February became one of the most devastating days of her life when the fire caused widespread destruction, impacting not only the building itself but also neighbouring businesses and families throughout the local community.

The aftermath left many business owners facing uncertainty, emotional distress, and difficult decisions about the future. For OMOTO Store, the past 13 weeks have been filled with challenges behind the scenes as efforts were made to secure and refurbish new premises.

Despite the hardship, Lola remained determined to rebuild.

“I am excited to say we are ready to open our new store,” she said. “These last 13 weeks have been heartbreaking and full of uncertainty, but we are finally ready to welcome our customers back.”

The good news for loyal customers is that OMOTO Store will remain on Waterloo Road, continuing to serve the community that has supported the business throughout its difficult journey. The store has now moved further up the road and will officially reopen at 93 Waterloo Road, directly opposite the Royal Oak Pub between Royal Oak Furnishings and Chell’s Barbers.

The store’s highly-anticipated grand opening will take place on Saturday 9th May at 11am, and Lola is encouraging the community to come along and show their support.

“We would love as much support as possible,” Lola added. “Our community means everything to us.”

Lola has also paid tribute to the incredible support she has received from Sarah, her husband Bill, and their daughter Indi the owners of South Shore Pitstop Community Cafe, which was also heavily impacted by the fire and sadly remains closed.

“Without them, I really don’t think I would have gotten this far,” Lola said. “Sarah and her family have been with me every single day for the last four weeks helping with everything. They even brought members of our local community together to help with the refurbishment and clean-up.

”They truly have been our guardian angels. Their support, courage, strength, confidence and drive have kept me going through one of the hardest periods of my life.”

OMOTO Store carries deep personal meaning for Lola and her family. The name ‘OMOTO’ was created using the initials of her beautiful children, while the store itself was launched in loving memory of her late husband.

The reopening marks more than just the return of a local business, it is a story of resilience, family, and community spirit in the face of adversity. As Waterloo Road continues to recover from the impact of the fire, the reopening of OMOTO STORE stands as a positive sign of hope and rebuilding for local businesses and residents alike.

Residents and supporters are invited to attend the grand opening and help celebrate a new chapter for one of the community’s much-loved local stores.