BEXHILL Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the news that major fashion retailer Peacocks has confirmed it will be opening a branch in Devonshire Road after advertising for a store manager.
The site has been vacant and a major eyesore ever since previous occupants, another fashion retailer M&Co, shut its doors for the final time earlier this year as the company plunged into administration.
A spokesman for the Chamber said: ”Bexhill Chamber are very pleased to see that Peacocks will be taking over the old M&Co site as one of only 20 new openings they have planned.
“This shows real confidence in Bexhill as a town in which large companies wish to invest.
“We were aware that the site was held off the market by administrators in the hope that a new occupier could be found despite there being substantial local and national interest in it being one of largest vacant premises in Bexhill. This investment is a real boost for the town.”
Devonshire Road has several vacant retail outlets with businesses seemingly reluctant to invest in the town centre due to the current testing economic climate. Therefore the decision by Peacocks is certainly a welcome one.
Although no firm date has yet been set for the new store’s opening, Peacocks had previously stated its intention to open new branches at 20 former M&Co sites across the UK with Bexhill now identified as one of them.
In the advert, which was posted online at simplyhired.co.uk, the company stated: “Here at Peacocks we have a fantastic opportunity for a store manager based in our new store in Bexhill.
“If you would like to be part of a forward-thinking business and have a job with excellent career prospects, then we would love to hear from you.
“As store manager we are looking for a well-rounded and commercial retail manager who is proactive in their approach and work using their own initiative.
“Fashion retail experience is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. The ideal candidate will have experience either in management or supervision of personnel within a retail outlet.”
M&Co traded in Devonshire Road for more than 20 years before shutting up shop in April this year in another prime example of the high street retail sector suffering due to a sharp downturn in customer spending and more and more people preferring to shop online.
However, the news that Peacocks is opening one of its new branches in Bexhill is certainly bucking that trend and will hopefully lead to more major retailers following its example.
