New Blackpool store creates 30 jobs

MORE than 30 jobs have been created as Blackpool's flagship shopping centre prepares to welcome its newest store.
New Look will double in size when it opens this Friday.

The store is just the latest addition to the shopping centre which has expanded by almost a third in the past year.

More than 15,000 sq ft of space has been set aside at the two-storey site next to Debenhams which will move from Palatine Buildings on Bank Hey Street.

The 7,500 sq ft space left by the former store will be taken over by bargain retailer B&M Bargains which has its headquarters in South Shore.

Bosses at New Look Blackpool say they have enjoyed one of their busiest summers ever thanks to the resort's regeneration plans and thousands coming on day trips.

Gillian Parr, manager of the store, said: "Moving to bigger premises is just a natural progression for the business.

"We've had an excellent summer and moving into the Houndshill was always part of the plan.

"It offers us an extra dimension, more ranges for everyone and has given us the chance to expand our horizons in the town.

"We have taken on more than 30 staff from the Fylde as part of the move into the shopping centre."

This is the third move for the fashion retailer, which started off as a small store on Church Street before moving to Bank Hey Street four years ago.

New Look now joins the likes of fellow high street giants H&M, River Island and Next which have moved from town centre stores into the Houndshill.

But unlike its competitors, New Look is the only space which has been filled by another store, which takes over the building next week.

Mrs Parr added: "We are delighted to be a part of the Houndshill experience.

"Trading has been excellent over the summer and we hope this will continue when we open to the public on Friday."

New Look on Bank Hey Street closes on Thursday with the new store opening on Friday morning.