A FASHION retailer has stepped out into Bexleyheath with the creation of 12 jobs.

The new Select store at Broadway Shopping Centre is the latest to open under the chain’s rapid expansion plans targeting key trading spots around the UK.

In its first week, tills have been ringing relentlessly with profits smashing targets.

The opening comes hot on the heels of the arrival of high street footwear giant, Schuh, at Broadway Shopping Centre, which created 20 new jobs in the borough.

Select store manager Georgia Satterly said the response from customers has been ‘brilliant’ with many queuing up outside, eager to grab a bargain.

She said: “When the finishing touches were being made to the shop, we had people outside wanting to come in so by the time we did open a few days ago, there was a stampede and we’ve been absolutely manic ever since.

“Because the store is so big at around 3,600sqft, there is a massive range of clothing to choose from.

“During our opening weekend, our owner, Cafer Mahiroglu came down and challenged us to hit a £5,000 target, but we went way over that on Saturday.

“Over the two days, takings smashed the £10,500 figure which is fantastic when you consider that we sell clothing at low prices.”

Previously manager of the Bromley branch, Georgia, who has worked for the company for four years, is relishing the challenge of overseeing a store more than double the size.

She added: “It’s really exciting to be able to manage such a big branch and to be able to offer so much more of our affordable range to the local community.

“Although we tend to appeal to people between the ages of 18 and 25, we have seen a wide range of age groups coming in for a browse, proving that there really is something here for everyone.

“It’s great that we have also been able to create 12 new full and part time jobs too – and this figure does not include the seasonal staff we will need over the Christmas period.

“When we advertised the positions, we had a great response so it’s great to provide a much-needed boost to the borough.”

Select specialises in translating catwalk trends into high street outfits at affordable prices, with a 15% discount for students.

The shop is a sign of the continuing strong interest in Broadway Shopping Centre by national retailers, said Peter Sedge, Broadway Centre Manager.

He said: “This is great news for Broadway Shopping Centre and for the local area.

“We have many young shoppers who come to the centre and enjoy hunting down a new outfit, so this is absolutely perfect for them.

“Signing a well-recognised name such as Select also shows the hard work that’s been put in to encourage retailers to come to Bexleyheath.”

He added: “Broadway Shopping Centre is a vital shopping and meeting hub for the local community and we have around 10m shoppers through our doors every year.

“It is also a vital source of employment for around 800 people and we are all celebrating the creation of this new wave of jobs at the Select store on the back of the 20 which were created only weeks ago at Schuh.”

Launched in the early 1980s, Select was bought by Turkish investor Cafer Mahiroglu in 2008 and has focused on becoming one of the high street’s most affordable fashion forward retailers.

This strategy has been successful with more than 150 UK stores open and ambitious expansion plans in place to open 40 more stores by the end of 2014.

Broadway Shopping Centre is open daily and home to more than 60 big name stores such as New Look, H&M, River Island and Marks & Spencer.

For more information about stores at Broadway Shopping Centre go to www.broadwayshoppingcentre.com.