B&M opens on Woolies site

A new bargain superstore which has created more than 30 jobs opened its doors in Newport today.

The B&M store has opened in the former Woolworths building in High Street.

About 20 people, some of whom used to shop at Woolworths, were queuing outside when the doors opened at 9am.

And business was brisk early today, with all six tills at capacity.

Seventeen of the staff taken on by B&M are former Woolworths employees, including manager Stephen Prole, who were made redundant when Woolworths closed in the town.

Mr Prole, who worked at the famous store for 16 years, said: "When people walked through the door, their first impression was 'wow'.

"B&M has spent a lot of money on this store for us."

He said he had been concerned for the future when Woolworths had closed and finding another job because of the recession.

Mr Prole said it was great to have a general retailer back on the High Street.

Gareth Bilton, area manager, said the future looked promising.

He said he had noticed that because there were former Woolworths employees working at the town store, customers were already on first name terms with them.