Discount chain to open up in town

A discount high street chain is definitely moving into Shrewsbury's former Woolworths store creating about 35 jobs, it was confirmed today.

Bosses of Home Bargains said its new £500,000 shop, to be sited in the same building in the Darwin shopping centre as fashion retailer H&M, will be fitted out from next month, with the store due to open on December 12.

It comes despite news that the town's three main shopping centres are to be put up for sale following the collapse of American bank Lehman Brothers last year.

Fashion retailer H&M has already confirmed it is opening a store at the Woolworths site. It is set to occupy space over two floors.

TJ Morris, which owns Home Bargains, was established over 30 years ago by Tom Morris. Since opening his first store in Liverpool, the business has grown to become one of the biggest privately owned companies in the UK.

The company now boasts over 170 stores and employs more than 4,000 people. Joe Morris, from the company, said the store had taken over a number of former Woolworths sites.

He said: "The new shop fit will start in October. The hand-over is due to take place on December 7 so we would hope to open on December 12. There are going to be 35 new jobs."

Home Bargains carries a wide range of top quality, high street brands from health and beauty products to household goods, food and toys at discount prices.