Woolies store to be taken over by B&M
BARGAIN store B&M is set to take over a former Woolworths shop.
The discount retailer will move into Woolworths in High Street, Congleton.
The Sentinel can confirm staff at the new store will be undergoing training next week.
Woolworths in Congleton was one of the first branches across the country to close its doors at the end of last month.
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Town centre traders and shoppers were worried the store might stay empty for the foreseeable future.
But now it looks as if it's been offered a lifeline.
A spokesman for B&M said: "We are currently in dealings with the liquidators regarding a number of sites and we can confirm Congleton is one of the stores we are interested in."
Administrator Deloitte said it was unable to comment on individual stores and that discussions are still ongoing in regard to all stores.
B&M offers a range of goods at discounted prices from toys and household items to food and home furnishings.
Billy Hill, manager of the African Connection shop in High Street, said traders are pleased the shop is going to be filled.
He told The Sentinel: "It's better having something there than leaving the shop empty for months.
"It's quite a big store so B&M will probably be able to fit quite a lot in it.
"Losing Woolies was a big blow to the High Street. We've all been worried about how it will affect trade.
"We hoped the shop would be taken over as soon as possible. It can only be a good thing for traders and hopefully people visiting B&M will pop into other shops while they're in the town centre."
Shoppers also seem to be in favour of a B&M store in the town.
Tim Collins, aged 42, who lives off Buxton Road, said: "I can't see it being a bad thing for the town.
"There aren't really any similar kind of shops in Congleton and the most important thing is that the shop isn't left lying empty for years."
Jennifer Stubbs, aged 48, of Lower Heath, said: "I've been to the B&M in Hanley and you can get some really good things at cheap prices.
"I think given the current financial climate and people not being able to spend much money the shop would do quite well." Deborah Morse, aged 41, of Belgrave Avenue, added: "No-one wants to see the shop sat derelict. It's just an eyesore. And if opening up a new store creates jobs that is obviously good."
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