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A TRENDY high street clothes store is opening a branch in Macclesfield, creating eight jobs and prompting hopes for "the green shoots of recovery" for town trade.

Fat Face is launching its 162nd UK outlet on Mill Street on the site of the old Works bookshop.

The opening, on Saturday, August 8, is a boost to the town’s economy, with one of the many empty shop units being given the kiss of life.

A spokeswoman for Fat Face said the company chose Macclesfield for its "strong" market town qualities and range of customers in the area.

She added: "We like strong market towns such as Macclesfield which are a regular trip for our customers for those frequent shopping needs.

"The town meets our criteria in terms of customer demographic profile and has a good mix of complimentary retailers both in terms of high street brands and independent stores."

Mandy Fazelynia, who runs Love Local Life, a campaign group for Macclesfield’s independent traders, said: "I think this is a positive thing. Fat Face isn’t an independent company, but anything that is going to bring people back into the town centre can only be good.

"I think everyone is looking for the green shoots of recovery, and this is an indicator that someone has the confidence that Macclesfield has the market for them.

"In the current climate though, only the big chains will be able to afford the rates in the town centre, because they are crippling for smaller traders."

Fat Face has launched a competition for Maxonians to win £50 of in-store vouchers. They have asked residents to submit photos and ideas on the theme of "getting out there" with the best submissions earning them the cash. For more information and to send photos, email macclesfield@fatface.com .