Flagship Home Bargains store to open in Willenhall
A £4.5 million superstore will open in an arson-hit unit at a retail park this weekend – creating scores of jobs.
The ‘flagship’ Home Bargains in Willenhall will offer a shot in the arm for retail in the town, according to a ward councillor.
It will see the former Glyn Webb shop brought back into use after a decade of lying empty after flames tore through it.
The budget retailer has promised the 30,000 sq ft store – which will officially open its doors to shoppers on Saturday – will create 65 jobs.
Home Bargains joins a number of other high street retailers currently based at the Keyway Retail Park – including Staples, Jollyes, B&M Bargains, Burger King and Tesco.
Arsonists
Willenhall South ward councillor Carl Creaney said that he welcomed the shop opening and replacing what was a derelict unit, which had become a target for arsonists.
Councillor Creaney told the Express & Star: “It’s been a long time since that building has been used.
“It has been lying empty for many years and so I welcome any business opening and creating jobs.
“It is a boost for Willenhall and stops that building being burned down by arsonists, which it would have in the end.
“I just wish it was slightly closer to Willenhall town centre.”
Flagship
Home Bargains has described the shop as a ‘flagship’. It will open to members of the public at 8.30am on Saturday.
It is the company’s first store in the town but will join more than 450 outlets across the whole of the UK.
The discount retailer already employs about 12,000 members of staff throughout the UK.
Joe Morris, operations director at Home Bargains, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our first store in Willenhall and look forward to welcoming new customers through the doors.
“Keyway Retail Park will be a great location for us and we’re proud to be able to offer local people top-branded goods at exceptionally low prices.”
A Home Bargains statement added: “The 30,000 sq ft store used to be occupied by DIY chain Glyn Webb and is joined on the retail park by Tesco, Staples, Burger King and Jollyes.
“The new Home Bargains store will offer shoppers a range of products, including homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks, as well as fresh and frozen food.”
