A massive, new designer clothing store is about to open in Shipley - making it "the largest in town''.

At least 15 jobs will be created when Clothing World, of Sticker Lane, open their store in Sunwin House, probably on Thursday, October 7.

Manzoor Bahadur and his son Zafoor Mohammed will run the family business which they claim will be the largest clothing and outdoor wear shop in Shipley.

Mr Bahadur said: "This is part of our expansion programme and will cost a substantial amount. There's not much for youngsters in Shipley who want the latest in sportswear and designer wear. It's something that's definitely missing there and we want to change that image with some serious clothing.

"There will be something for everyone from new-borns to senior citizens. It will be similar to our shop in Sticker Lane but a bigger version with a specialist sportswear department in addition to everything there.

"A friend of mine said that Shipley was king of the charity shops so maybe we can do something to change that image.

"We will be the largest clothing and outdoor wear shop here by far - even bigger than Asda."

Zafoor Mohammed added they had been looking for a year for somewhere suitable.

He said: "We feel that in Shipley there's not much clothing around and that this was an opportunity for us. We were looking for somewhere in the Bradford area but some distance from our original premises."

In May 1996, Mr Bahadur opened Clothing World after a business and development seminar organised by Bradford Quest for Education and Development helped him come up with the idea. He said he was inspired by the concept of trying to cater for all markets, not just Asian ones.

Sunwin House became empty in July last year but has since been filled by Ethel Austin, Home Bargain and now Clothing World.

Bradford Chamber of Trade president Eric Hudson said: "This is just what Shipley needs. It's great for the town and will give it quite a boost in the arm.

"I am so glad. It shows what confidence there is, that people are prepared to invest here."

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