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WHITCHURCH is on course to buck the recession as confidence grows with a spate of new shops about to open.
Businesses are opening on the High Street and others are expanding as the town steers an optimistic course through the economic gloom.
Poundstretcher is due to open next Saturday, February 6, in the former Woolworths site on the High Street.
It has been fitted out over recent weeks and is providing 11 new jobs.
It will sell electronics, gardening items, storage equipment and bedding.
Store manager Stuart Lea said: “The new store is looking great. We are really looking forward to opening and welcoming the people of Whitchurch through our doors.
‘With a great range of products, we offer great value in these tough economic times and bring jobs to the local area’
The former Chalmers Jewellers on the High Street is to open as a gift shop in March, and a leather furniture store opens tomorrow, Thursday, in the former Kaleidoscope shop at the top of the High Street.
Called the Ex-Catalogue Shop , it offers 50% discounts on leather suites and wool rugs. Proprietor Ray Caunce said he hopes the new shops will encourage more shoppers into the town.
Gallery Flowers has expanded to new premises in the former Gallery Kitchens shop on Green End, which also officially opens on Saturday, Jan 30. Owner Jenny Allen plans to hold flower arranging workshops in the bigger premises and said: “We couldn’t move in the other shop and last year I was able to take on two employees, and we needed more space.
“We are very busy with functions, weddings and funerals, and business is good.”
The Card Market is also expanding, moving across the road into the former Gallery Flowers premises on Green End, where the shop will also sell gifts.
Whitchurch Mayor Cllr Alan Chesters said: “The High Street is undergoing a regeneration, which is good news for the town as there is nothing worse than empty shops.
“As a Town Council we are encouraged by the uptake on the empty shops - the closure of Woolworths had a severe effect on the High Street. The store did attract people to the town and I hope that Poundstretcher will do the same.”
Linda Bate, chair of Whitchurch Chamber of Trade said it is all excellent news for the town.
“Whitchurch seems to be buzzing at the minute with things looking up for retailers.”
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