ICELAND will open a supermarket at the site of the former Woolworths store this October – creating a number of new jobs.
News that the frozen food giant is opening a store on Mill Street is a boost for the town centre. Earlier this year, Iceland bought 51 Woolworths stores and announced it planned to create 2,500 new jobs.
A company spokesman confirmed work had already begun on the local shop, which is due to open on October 8. However, he refused to confirm how many jobs would be created.
"Iceland has been experiencing significant sales growth over the past four years which is driven by an increase in new customers and increased spend from existing shoppers," he said. "The credit crunch has accelerated that growth as customers look for better value for money. Iceland is looking forward to being part of the community and hopes to build an excellent relationship with its customers."
Vacancies already advertised on the Iceland website include a delivery driver, cleaner, retail assistants, stock supervisor, supervisor and a senior supervisor. Woolworths closed in Macclesfield on January 6 after more than 82 years in the town, making 26 staff redundant.
Speaking in January, Nick Canning, marketing director at Iceland welcomed the firm’s 51 new sites.
He said: "We are confident we can help to support the local community in those towns who have lost a major high street retailer in Woolworths."
The redevelopment of a prominent shopping position in the centre is seen as good news by town business leaders.
Bill Livesley, president of Macclesfield Chamber of Trade, said: "It will bring in employment for local people and that can only be positive."
Redundancies are mounting:
- Arighi Bianchi - 11
- AstraZeneca - 700
- Cheshire Building Society - 20
- Spectus Windows - about 30
- Borough Council - 20 to 25
- Woolworths - 26
