Croydon furniture store House of Reeves, one of the most high profile casualties of the London riots, has opened for business again.

Although the main showroom of the 144 year old business had to be demolished after being burned down in one of the most harrowing images of this month’s riots, its adjoining sister store has re-opened and is gradually receiving stock.

The store was shut pending the police investigation into the destruction of the main store.

Owner of the business Maurice Reeves told the Guardian: “It’s been very gratifying. We’ve had a lot of people coming in to say they were going to buy something anyway but wanted to come to us to show their support. They see us as something of a focus for the area, which is wonderful.”

Meanwhile, The Co-op, itself hit by the rioting, has donated £100,000 to help looted stores. The retailer gave its backing to the High Street Fund which has been set up to hand out £2,000 to sole traders and shopkeepers facing ruin.

The Co-op estimates the rioting cost its own business £10m.

DIY giant B&Q has also pledged £10,000, as well as providing £74,000 worth of products to the clean-up operation.

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