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Friday, 30th July 2010

TJ Hughes given Blackpool welcome

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Published Date:
08 January 2010
BLACKPOOL retailers believe the re-opening of one of the town centre's largest empty shops will bring other stores to the resort.
Retail giant TJ Hughes is moving into the former Woolworths store on Bank Hey Street in March.

Not only will it create more than 100 jobs but could act as a catalyst for a bumper year at the tills, according to leading Blackpool traders.

Today, retailers in the resort said TJ Hughes was the right store to take over Woolworths, which became one of the highest profile companies to fold in the recession.

Graham Dickinson, manager at Debenhams, said: "I think it's fantastic and adds something different to the high street. To take over one of Blackpool's biggest units is a challenge but I think TJ Hughes will be the perfect match for it.

"It's a prime spot for any retailer so I can see why there was so much interest. It will bring more people into Blackpool."

John Holt, a director of the Blackpool BID team and manager of Houndshill Shopping Centre, said: "It would have been my first choice to fill what has been a big puller for shoppers in Blackpool.

"TJ Hughes has the pulling power to bring more people to the resort and encourage other stores to see what the town has to offer. It is a great thing for the town."

Sarah McConville, owner of Blueberries on Topping Street and chairman of the street's steering group, said: "The store sells everything and I am sure it has what the shopper in Blackpool needs.

"It has a broad reach and will keep people in the town. To have the Woolworths building full again is superb for the town centre."

And Hugh Evans, director of policy for the North West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, based in Blackpool, added: "What great news for Blackpool. Securing a retailer of TJ Hughes' status sends out the message that Blackpool can attract the best, even in the current economic climate.

"We would hope this news will now act as a catalyst for future investment."

The 35,000 sq ft landmark building is undergoing a major facelift and staff are being recruited from the local area in time for its grand opening in March.

Its opening ends months of speculation for the store, which closed exactly 12 months ago and became a gaping hole in Blackpool's main high street.

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  • Last Updated: 08 January 2010 10:36 AM
  • Source: Blackpool Gazette
  • Location: Blackpool
 
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harrylivesey5,

bispham 08/01/2010 11:10:40
it has to be good that a store the size of the old woolies in blackpool centre is to be reopened enpty shops dont look good
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True Blackpudlian ,

Blackpool 08/01/2010 11:22:21
I sincerely hope it will bring new investment and more retailers to Blackpool. I could write a long list of shops most other towns in the North West (eg Bolton, Wigan, Bury, Southport) have but we don't. Like I am desperate for a Caffe Nero and there are plenty of empty units but still no sign. Although I wrote to them a few months back and they said they are interested in Blackpool they are put off by all the empty units and sky high extortionate rents by landlords. That should be food for thought.
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08/01/2010 13:01:12
Comment Removed By Administrator
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Tangerine Pip,

Blackpool 08/01/2010 13:56:32
Good news, and being a decent size I hope it is as good as their store was in Blackburn... and not just a mini version like the one in Preston which was well disappointing after the Blackburn one...
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Brian Ellis,

Blackpool 08/01/2010 14:08:49
I am still so very happy to hear this wonderful news.
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Not Quite Hayek,

08/01/2010 14:32:41
Good to see a high street retailer moving in and creating jobs.

I'm not convinced that it will bring more people in to the town - why would they when Preston is more convenient? - but it fills a vacant store and will add a little bit more choice for local shoppers. If it encourages more footfall in that area, then maybe one or two of the other empty shops on that block might gain some interest?
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neil raine,

blackpool 08/01/2010 14:58:51
as harry said, its not good to have empty shops in the town centre but most ppl would understand with it bein a woolies building. theres a hell of a lot of old woolworths buildings around the country in major locations that still havent been filled so at least someone is moving into our town an not out of it for a change.

with any luck some of the poor unfortunate ppl that lost their jobs when woolies closed may be able to get jobs there if they havent elsewhere.
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Sheepdog,

08/01/2010 15:20:31
TJ Hughes wont start a retail revolution in Blackpool ,it'll just save about 4 people having to travel to Preston. Yes it creates 100 jobs but in the wider context its meaningless. If plans where announced that the town centre is being flattened to make way for a John Lewis or Ikea & that the central station site was to return to being a rail station , then that would spark a retail revolution.

Just another type of shop that Blackpool is wash with. best thing to have had in the woolies building would have been a Tesco's metro with a copius supply of krispy kreme donuts! Save me carting milk & donuts back home from Manchester.
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Brian Ellis,

Blackpool 08/01/2010 15:26:07
Krispy Kreme donuts are not the best donuts in the world Sheepdog, but they ARE good.
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True Blackpudlian ,

Blackpool 08/01/2010 18:04:22
BRS stop with these stupid childish comments, you are not funny so grow up and leave me alone. Go somewhere else and praise tacky old Benidorm rather than coming on here to run Blackpool down and insult people
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