The opening of a new bargain discount store bringing 30 new jobs to Shrewsbury has been welcomed today by the town’s Mayor.
Councillor Jon Tandy was at the new Poundworld in the busy Pride Hill Shopping Centre yesterday (Thursday) to meet staff ahead of the opening day when almost 1,000 customers flocked through the doors.
He said: “It means a lot to me that 30 new jobs are being created in the town and that Poundworld are keen to provide job opportunities, particularly for people who through no fault of their own are without work.
“It’s very close to my heart to make sure people in Shrewsbury have got work opportunities and that we make this town and I will continue to work to do just that.”
“Poundworld opening is good news for the town because there are shops opening here and lots of people are coming to us who want to start a business.”
“It’s just a matter of time before more new openings are announced and the Pride Hill Shopping Centre are doing their bit for the community as well.”
Poundworld’s huge 5,000 square foot bargain store is in addition to the family-run company’s existing store in Meole Brace where new manager Gareth Benting has been the assistant manager.
The 39-year-old from Copthorne, Shrewsbury, has worked in retail for the past 12 years , with Netto and Asda before joining Poundworld two years ago.
He said: “We have been very successful at Meole Brace so the company wanted to open another store in the town centre and Pride Hill is the ideal place for us.”
“They’re a great company to work for and always like to look inside the business to appoint people. I’m thrilled to be managing a store in the town and I’m looking forward to taking on Poundland in the Darwin Shopping Centre. I’m confident we have the offers and bargains to do it.”
The store opening is not the only big event in Gareth’s life at the moment as he anxiously awaits news of wife Kay who is expecting the couple’s second child – they already have a two-year-old daughter Charlotte.
Gareth said: “It’s touch and go at the moment but it looks like being a big week for us.”
Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “We’re delighted that Poundworld are joining the retail mix here at the Shrewsbury Shopping Centres.
“They are a major presence in the high street and add to the varied shopping offer we have with top retailers alongside many independent businesses.”
“Shrewsbury is a real shopping hub for a very wide area and is a lovey, characterful town and the importance of retal to the local economy is underlined by the fact that in the past six months we have created over 70 jobs here with the likelihood of more to come.”
“Poundworld join other major names among our recent arrivals with Blue Inc, Grape Tree, The Entertainer and Hotter Shoes among the most recent as well as a number of independents such as Flutterbies, Golden Guitars, Cherry’s, Chikpe, Alleyna’s, Credible Accessories, Funky Fashions and Vapes as well as two tailors, M and M Tailoring and Shrewsbury Top Tailoring.”
Yorkshire-based, Poundworld was founded in 1997 and has over 240 stores across the UK with over 5,000 employees.
