70 jobs created in Woolies shop deal

UP TO 70 jobs will be created when a discount department store moves into a former branch of Woolworths.

TJ Hughes is planning to open a store at Upper Market Square in Hanley in the autumn.

The Liverpool-based retailer, which has 50 branches across the country, is looking to recruit full and part-time sales assistants, stockroom assistants, administration assistants, team leaders and a loss prevention officer.

A spokesman said: "We are pleased to confirm that we are opening a new TJ Hughes department store, offering fantastic discounts on famous name brands, in Hanley this autumn. The new store will bring up to 70 new jobs to the town, across full-time and part-time positions."

The store has lain empty since Woolworths closed its doors on December 27.

City centre manager Jean Ball said she is thrilled TJ Hughes is moving in.

She said: "I am delighted that we have attracted a new department store to Stoke-on-Trent city centre.

"TJ Hughes has swiftly grasped the opportunity to come here after the closure of Woolworths. The product offer will sit well within the retail mix we have here, and of course the jobs will be welcome.

"The retail vacancy rate in our city centre is now just below the national average, and the confidence demonstrated by the TJ Hughes investment is very positive."

The Hanley branch of Woolworths was one of 13 stores across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire which shut down in December and January after the retail giant called in the administrators.

Although some remain vacant, several stores have been given a new lease of life after other retailers moved in. Discount chain 99p Stores opened in Newcastle's former Woolworths last month, while clothing and household specialist Yorkshire Trading Company is due to move into the Leek branch in August.

Bargain retailer B&M has opened up two branches, at the former Woolworths sites in Congleton and Nantwich, and the Stafford branch is due to become Sports Direct, which sells discounted sports clothing and equipment.

In Uttoxeter, the former Woolworths store has become a WH Smith.

But branches in Burslem, Longton, Stoke, Market Drayton and Sandbach remain empty.

The closing date for TJ Hughes applications is Friday, July 10, and applicants need to be available for interview on Friday, July 17, Saturday, July 18 or Sunday, July 19.

Application forms are available at Stoke-on-Trent College's Hanley Training Centre, on Trinity Street, or by phoning 01782 227 428, emailing recruit@stokecoll.ac.uk, or texting 'recruit' with a name and address to 88020.