Fifty new jobs at Merry Hill Debenhams

Fifty new jobs have been created at a Black Country superstore after a £1.8 million facelift, as demand for women's fashion remains high, despite the hard economic times.

Debenhams has invested in new flooring and improved lighting throughout its Merry Hill store and the womenswear department has increased by more than a third to 25,000 square feet. Thirty of the extra jobs have been created with the addition of clothing lines Precis, Jacques Vert, Fuse, Kurt Geiger Shoes and Oasis to the Brierley Hill branch.

Staff have been employed directly by the brand names for these roles.

A further 20 new staff have been appointed by Debenhams to roles across the store and this brings the total employed at the branch to 400.

The 'beauty hall' has also increased by 10 per cent, with the introduction of new brand, Urban Decay, and the store's restaurant has been updated.

Store manager Alan Macera said: "Demand for womenswear is still high. Our designer ranges performed well throughout the recession. But that's not to say shopping habits haven't changed.

"Value for money is more important than ever and for us it's about delivering that, whether finding value in a £200 suit or a £10 Red Herring T-shirt.

"These new brands reflect our customers' needs and extend the choice available."

Mr Macera has just returned to the Merry Hill branch from Debenhams at Oxford, where he was store manager. He was previously sales manager at Merry Hill but left there in 1998.

He said: "It's great to be back at Merry Hill and at the helm of the refurbishment.

"The store opened with the shopping centre 21 years ago, so this will give it a much-needed facelift.

"We are hoping that the changes made will mean our customers have an all round better shopping experience."

The store has remained open throughout the refurbishment work.

By Louise Jew