‘ENORMOUS’ STORE CREATES 40 JOBS
Discount chain opens branch at site of former Co-op
CUSTOMERS were queuing outside B&M - to become the first shoppers to snap up bargains at the discount chain’s newest store.
They were waiting outside when B&M opened in High Street, Stone, at 9am on Friday.
It has opened on the site of the former Co-op which has been empty since January.
Forty jobs have been created as part of the development.
Store manager Sharon Leech, above, said: “We hope to bring more footfall into the town and boost every business on the High Street. Seventy per cent of our offerings are unique which means we’re not competing with anyone.
“Everybody has been really excited and we’ve had nothing but good feedback. The staff have felt like they’ve been in a fishbowl with everybody looking in.”
Stone mayor Kristan Green opened the shop alongside representatives from Stone Community Hub. Kristan said: “I’ve been a B&M customer since it opened its store in Trent Vale. I go every month but now this has opened I’ll come here every week. “The shop is enormous and is going to be a real asset to Stone. There are a lot of things here that you can’t buy in other shops. People shopping at the farmers’ market will pop in as well as it is open late and it’s stocking what people want.”
Shopper Maria Colaceci was one of the first customers through the door.
The 60-year-old, from Stone, said: “B&M is needed in Stone because it caters for different people. I usually go to the Congleton store but this is much closer so I think I’ll come often. It is what I expected from B&M what a great offering.”
Fellow shopper Annette French, aged 45, who works in Stone, said: “I’m pleased this has opened, although it was a shame about the Co-op because it was handy for milk and essentials. But this is a better replacement because it is more cost effective and I’ll certainly come in on my lunch breaks.
“They stock a wide range of things, including Christmas gifts, alcohol, homeware and essentials. It’s very nicely decked out, pleasant and well laid out.”