News: New openings at Parkgate

Sports fashion retailer JD has opened a brand new store in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last month that The King of Trainers was looking to take on the 15,000 sq ft unit that was previously occupied by Mothercare at Parkgate Shopping Park.

Ocupying unit 6a, this new store will complement the existing JD location in Rotherham town centre on College Walk.

The store has employed 40 new staff members from the Rotherham area and there are 30 extra Christmas temporary jobs available to apply for from now till the end of November.

A spokesperson for JD said: “We’re delighted to be opening another JD store in Rotherham.

“This will offer shoppers a wider selection from our extensive range of best-in-class sports fashion wear.”

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Poundstrecther was the last retailer to open a new store at Parkgate when it opened in July.

The next new opening is set to be German Doner Kebab.

Rothbiz reported in May that the fast-casual brand was set to take on the former Carphone Warehouse unit as part of ambitious UK expansion plans.

Established in Germany over 30 years ago, the brand has built up to 76 restaurants in UK, Europe and Middle East, all selling high quality doner kebabs. The chain serves 100% lean succulent meat in handmade breads and crisp salad, with a choice of three signature sauces.

JD website
German Doner Kebabs website
Parkgate website

Images: JD Sports Fashion plc

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News: Poundstretcher open another Rotherham store

Leading value retailer, Poundstretcher has opened a new out of town store in Rotherham.

The Huddersfield-based firm operates 400 discount retail stores in the UK, providing variety retailing across an extensive range of products at exceptionally cheap prices. It has taken a 10,000 sq ft unit at Canklow Meadows Retail Park.

In addition to homeware, the retailer also sells everyday items such as food, toiletries and household goods. The new opening follows a decision last year to move into larger stores to enable it to extend its food and toiletry ranges.

Existing occupiers include Dunelm and Halfords, and situated close to a Wickes DIY store, the park is owned by Threadneedle Investments with Harvey Spack Field and Wilkinson Williams as agents.

Owned by the Crown Crest Group, Poundstretcher opened a new store on Bridgegate in Rotherham town centre last year. It has a store at Dinnington and previously operated at Parkgate Shopping under the instore brand.

With a store refresh programme and the opening of 35 new stores, Poundstretcher reported an increase in like-for-like sales of 3% in 2013.

Poundstretcher website

Images: Poundstrecther

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News: Poundstretcher open new Rotherham store

Poundstretcher, the UK's original value store is opening its latest outlet in Rotherham town centre today.

The Huddersfield-based firm operates 400 discount retail stores in the UK, providing variety retailing across an extensive range of products at exceptional prices. It has recently taken over the former Walmsley furniture store on Bridgegate.

It is part of reported plans to open an additional 100 UK stores by the end of this month, with a view to a 900 store portfolio over the next six years. Owned by the Crown Crest Group, Poundstretcher has also recently opened its first overseas store in Dubai. It has a store at Dinnington and operated at Parkgate Shopping under the instore brand.

The value retail sector is becoming increasingly competitive across the UK as shoppers search for a bargain, with Rotherham town centre an evident battleground. Recent analysis by PwC and the Local Data Company showed that whilst Great Britain's multiple retailers closed stores and entered administration, pound shops were one of a handful of business types on the increase, showing an net increase of 13% for 2012.

Payday loans providers, pawn brokers and betting shops were also increasing in numbers on the nation's High Street, again seen in Rotherham with Coral, the latest bookmaker hoping to open another new betting shop after submitting plans to fit out the former Santander Bank on Effingham Street.

Matthew Hopkinson, director of The Local Data Company, said: "The end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013 has seen the most dramatic period on record as companies controlling more than 1,400 shops went into administration.

"Will the discounters, pawnbrokers, charity shops, coffee shops and supermarkets continue to fill a large proportion of these closing stores? Town centres will have to adapt faster than ever before to maintain their attraction to consumers."

Whilst Rotherham follows the national trend, the council is also enhancing the retail offer with support to new businesses and those looking to expand their business in the town. So far 17 grant awards have been made with a further four made through the Street Cafe Grant scheme.

Vintage Dolls will be the latest independent store to open, offering vintage clothing and furniture from a unit within the historic Imperial Buildings.

In the Old Town Hall something else different is taking place in Rotherham. Armies of thousands are being put together but the borough is not planning to invade Barnsley, instead national specialist, Games Workshop has taken a unit for its newest hobby centre.

The business is doing well as it is not a traditional retailer. Instead it focuses on manufacturing fantasy miniatures and using its hobby centres to show customers how to engage with the hobby of collecting, painting and playing with miniatures and games.

It means that they don't need to pay for prime rent shopping locations, evidenced by the fact that the Rotherham centre opened in February following the closure of the Meadowhall centre. The centres also differ from retailers in that they help build a sense of community and comradeship.

Poundstretcher website
Rotherham town centre website
Games Workshop

Images: Poundstretcher

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