Two new stores will create up to 60 jobs (From Daily Echo)

Two new stores will create up to 60 jobs in Hampshire

5:20pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in News

TWO new retail stores will open this weekend in Hampshire creating 60 new jobs.

Oak Furniture Land, the leading hardwood furniture retail, will open its 20th showroom tomorrow at the Hedge End Retail Park bringing 20 jobs.

And Sports Direct, controlled by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, is opening a brand new store in West Street, Fareham creating jobs for four managers and 40 casual roles. The town has 1,261 people in the dole queue, including 375 aged under 25.

Oak Furniture Land opened its first Southampton showroom on the Mountbatten Retail Park in April and has reported an “impressive” footfall with customers travelling up to 50 miles to visit it.

The company, which has seen its sales grow by 40 per cent in the last financial year, said its new 17,000 sq ft store in Hedge End would complement the Southampton showroom.

Head of retail Paul Burgham said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be opening our 20th showroom, and our second in the Southampton area. We’ve had a lot of interest from customers about the store and we look forward to celebrating the opening.”

Sports Direct’s new store, which opens on Saturday, will feature specialist running, outdoor, bike and golf and football areas.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted to be opening our brand new store in Fareham. As our company continues to grow throughout the UK, our ethos has never changed in that we offer our customers the biggest brands in all types of sportswear, footwear and sports equipment at low prices.”