Jobs in store with Asda’s expansion (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Jobs in store with Asda’s expansion

6:23pm Friday 20th March 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(2)

Hundreds of jobs are being created across the Bradford district with the opening of two new superstores.

Shoppers flocked to Asda’s new Living store today to see it officially declared open by the company’s “Bradford’s Best Mum” competition winner.

The store, at the Forster Square Retail Park, does not sell food, but focuses on lifestyle products including clothing, homeware, music, DVDs, electricals, toys and baby products.

It is expected to create 100 jobs, to add to the 370 jobs that will be created when Asda opens a new store in Keighley in the summer.

To mark Mother’s Day, Tracey Radcliffe was chosen as the store’s VIP guest, having been nominated by her daughter for being the “rock of the family”.

She said: “It has been an honour to be treated like a star today, and I don’t want this special treatment to end. It has been very overwhelming. I love the title of Bradford’s Best Mum and it is the best mother’s day present I could ever ask for.”

Store manager Craig Lomas said: “We were really looking forward to welcoming customers to our new store, and with all the entertainment, sampling, and special opening offers, it’s been a fantastic day.”

Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Howard Middleton said: “It was fantastic to be there for the opening celebrations at Asda Living.

“It really was a community affair and I was delighted to be part of it.

“With the 100 local jobs created as a result of the store opening as well as the fantastic atmosphere I witnessed today, the store will be a great addition to the city of Bradford.”

Asda said construction work on its new store in Keighley, which will create nearly 400 jobs, was progressing well. The store – which will be open 24 hours – is expected to open in early August.

It will boast a 40,000sq ft sales area, around 60 per cent of which will be given over to food.

Planning approval has been given for a petrol station alongside the store.

Philip Bartram, Asda’s property communications manager, said: “Our store will create approximately 370 new full and part-time jobs for local people and, in times of economic difficulty, will give the local community access to our low prices.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(2)