NEW SHOP IN TOWN
Discount retailer launches latest branch in town
POPULAR discount retailer The Works has opened in a North Staffordshire town – creating six new jobs.
The chain has launched the new branch inside the former New Look unit, in Derby Street, Leek – just a month after the high street giant moved out of the town.
And shoppers were keen to grab a Black Friday bargain at the weekend.
Shop manager Nigel Taylor said: “As a company, we are always looking to open new stores. I believe we have opened around 50 new branches just this year – we’re averaging around one a week.
“We decided to move into Leek because it is a town with a good mix of shops and we can bring something new.
“We used to be known as a discount book supplier, but today our most popular products seem to be from the children’s section.
“We do a great deal on games but we are also very good at keeping up with trending toys such as squishies.”
The Works sells a wide range of books, stationery and art and crafts products as well as children’s toys and games.
Nigel, who has relocated from The Works’ Macclesfield branch to oversee the opening of the new Leek store, added: “When I worked in Macclesfield we had a lot of visitors from Leek who would ask us when we were going to open in Leek and I know that staff at the Hanley store get asked the same question, so we are really excited to be able to finally open in the town.
“The feedback we have had from shoppers has been superb.”
The Works’ opening comes six weeks after the retailer doubled the size of its branch at Affinity Staffordshire, believed to be one of the most popular stores at the centre.
Husband-and-wife Eric and Lorraine Burrows, who live in Leek, were among the hundreds of shoppers to visit The Works on Saturday.
Sixty-nine-year-old Lorraine said: “I heard that Holland and Barrett was opening up so I was really pleased when I found out it was The Works, I think it will be popular.”
Eric, aged 72, added: “We always go to The Works wherever we are, we usually visit the one in Buxton. The prices are really reasonable and you can get some really good deals – like buy one get one free.”
The Works in Leek is open every day – between 9am and 5.30am from Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.