SURPRISED workers making way for a new Liebig Street business have uncovered the architecture of Warrnambool's original Coles store.
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Peaking behind a false ceiling at the former Katies clothing store, the workers discovered curving cornices and high windows believed to be from the original grocery store that traded in the 1940s and '50s.
Bed Bath N' Table is due to open the store on Saturday, and the new layout has restored the historic features for display.
New store manager Deb Harris said she worked in the same store five years ago and never knew the architecture was hidden above the ceiling.
"It is exciting to have part of the original history brought back to life," Ms Harris said.
"Lots of people have been blown away about what was underneath."
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The store is the first Bed Bath N' Table in the south-west after the company identified Warrnambool as a "key growth area".
It follows Sheridan opening on Liebig Street last year, also joining Provincial Home Living and Lava Street's Adairs.
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