Major new retailer coming to Wigan

A major new retailer has been unveiled at Wigan's Grand Arcade.
Staff, from left, Kelly McMahon, Beth Searle, Tracey Wilcock, Laura McMahon and Jeanette McMahon, get ready for The 1 Store opening on Friday, in the former TK Maxx unit, upstairs in the Grand Arcade shopping centre, WiganStaff, from left, Kelly McMahon, Beth Searle, Tracey Wilcock, Laura McMahon and Jeanette McMahon, get ready for The 1 Store opening on Friday, in the former TK Maxx unit, upstairs in the Grand Arcade shopping centre, Wigan
Staff, from left, Kelly McMahon, Beth Searle, Tracey Wilcock, Laura McMahon and Jeanette McMahon, get ready for The 1 Store opening on Friday, in the former TK Maxx unit, upstairs in the Grand Arcade shopping centre, Wigan

The 1 Store is set to open on the first floor of the mall on Friday, occupying the large unit vacated by TK Maxx earlier this year when it moved to Robin Retail Park.

The new business has a similar offer to the retailer it replaces and positions itself very much in the “value for money” category.

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A total of 10 jobs are being created in Wigan and for now it will occupy the premises lower floor only, while gradually building up its stock.

Bosses say more jobs could be in the offing too.

The 1 Store is a new concept born from the former Store 21 chain which boasted more than 200 high street sites nationwide but went into liquidation last year, with the closure of all outlets, including the shop which could once be found on Standishgate.

However bosses have rescued a select 16 of the outlets and is now looking to expand with the arrival in the big Grand Arcade unit.

Head of retail Adrian Ellis-Jones said: “I am really excited to see The 1 Store finally open in a great town like Wigan.

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“We aim to offer a great shopping experience where customers can be guaranteed great savings, variety and new products weekly.

“The old Store 21 concept was men’s and women’s plu homewares. Now we are looking to go more in-depth on homeware, such as the Mary Berry range and branded suitcases and hope to get into children’s wear too.

“It is similar to TK Maxx but there is more volume.”

The aforementioned business’s departure was a blow to the Grand Arcade, occupying as it did one of the largest and most prominent units, so finding a new tenant is a welcome relief.

Shopping centre manager John Sanson said: “We are delighted to welcome The 1 Store into the centre.

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“The store will certainly extend the wide selection of goods and services we offer to our shoppers.”

TK Maxx decamped to Robin Park earlier this year to take up the unit previously occupied by Poundland which itself moved to the Grand Arcade to fill the large gap left by the defunct Bhs.

When the Wigan Post photographer visited The 1 Store this week, work was well on the way to stocking the premises and staff were raring to go for the opening.

A lot of launch day offers are being promised with Friday’s opening taking place at 10am. Thereafter the business will be open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm and from 10.30am to 4:30pm on Sundays.