New store fills Woolies gap

SHOPPERS have greater choice on their high street today after a new store opened up in an empty Woolworths unit.

The Yorkshire Trading Company is now in business in Leek after taking over the town's former Woolies premises.

The new Derby Street store opened yesterday afternoon in a move which brought 14 jobs to the area.

The store stocks everything from paint and homewear to snacks, as well as its own range of clothes.

And it is the 21st branch in a chain which first started out in Driffield, Yorkshire.

Shop assistant Sue Lyons spent the day stocking the shelves and sweeping the floor in preparation for yesterday's opening.

And the 48-year-old, of Eastbourne Close, Leek, said it is a bit different to her previous work.

She added: "I answered an advert in the window and then I got the job, I'd been at home caring for an elderly relative so I didn't expect to get it.

"It's a radical change but it's good to be back in the work place.

"I can't believe there's so much stuff crammed in here.

"There's too much to take it all in."

Other staff are also optimistic about the new store's prospects.

Supervisor Jean Clarke, aged 44, of Novi Lane, Leek, said: "There's a really good crew in here and a good range of things.

"I used to work at Home Bargains but now I'll be here filling the shelves and supervising the staff.

"I have six children myself, aged between eight and 26, so the kids' section of the store with clothes and costumes catches my eye."

The Yorkshire Trading Company will be appointing a full-time manager in coming weeks.

Temporary manager Esther Young, aged 37, from North Yorkshire, said: "I'm very excited about the store opening.

"We've got the Halloween stock in now and a full range of Rydale clothing – it's our own brand so hopefully the locals will like that.

"There's walking, shooting and fishing gear for men and women. People were trying to get in the door before the shop even opened."

Nearby traders, including Janet Sadler, sales adviser at the Edinburgh Woollen Mill next door, welcomed the opening.

The 61-year-old, from Basford Green, said: "I think it'll be good for the town.

"I used to go to Woolworths so I'm very excited, there's been a veil of secrecy, but if it's anything like Woolies then it'll do quite well."

Traders were also pleased that the new store would draw customers back to their side of the town.

Buttercross cafe waitress Liz Grindley, aged 38, of Geoffery Avenue, Leek, said: "A big store will benefit this end of town.

"People tend to park the other side and shop in Aldi, Wilko and Argos, so hopefully this shop will bring them back down here."