Former Sittingbourne Woolworths becomes 99p store
A NEW budget shop has opened in Sittingbourne.
The 99p Store has taken the place of Woolworths in the High Street and began trading this morning.
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Its opening is part of the company’s nationwide expansion which includes 200 stores and 2,500 employees by 2010.
Items on sale include confectionery, DIY accessories, stationery and party-ware.
The chain undercuts Poundland by offering similar products for a penny cheaper.
It will also provide more than 30 new jobs, which will help replace the 26 jobs lost when Woolworths closed in December.
The company is based in Northamptonshire and has 104 stores nationwide and employs 1,500 people.
The reaction among Sittingbourne shoppers has been largely positive but some raised questions about whether it is needed, as the town already has stores of this type.
What do you think? Is this good news for Sittingbourne?
For the full story see next week's Gazette.
6 Comments
by john, sittingbourne
Sunday, September 27 2009, 7:07PM
“Now the old woolworths has turned into chav central why can't swale council bring some class to the town why do take so long to do anything they should be going out there way to improve the town not wait and wait it looks just crap as gillingham high street they bulldoze 90 % of the high street and forget the so called history have vision , style , progress we need a cinema , bus station better train station , tesco , body shop , womens underwear shop , etc etc it is so crap this high street weeds growing out nearly every shop is there hope !!!!”
by Mr Wayne, Sittingbourne
Monday, September 21 2009, 7:44AM
“Welldone Swale Council, yet another great aproval in bringing the high street into the gutter even more. They should start rushing through the new plans in turning the town into a place to shop not avoid.”
by Steve, Kent
Sunday, September 20 2009, 4:34PM
“Snap.. we have the same in Tonbridge, Woolworths has become a 99p shop. I've lost count of the 99p shops we have in our high street.”
by John, Hertford
Sunday, September 20 2009, 2:25PM
“I think the stores reflect the town in general, no money, stuck in a time warp, full of chavs etc.
Anyone who has sense has moved out to proper towns with M&S's, Waitrose etc.”
by Jim, Abroad - ex Sittingbourne
Friday, September 18 2009, 11:44AM
“Not another fly-by-night rubbish emporium - spot the "not made in China" goods if you can. Is this what shopping is now all about in the majority of English country towns - no wonder UK is going to the wall.”
by Mr Gordon, Sittingbourne
Tuesday, September 15 2009, 5:33PM
“i think alot of other stores in Sittingbourne are going to close due to a loss of business due to the 99p store opening. There are stores like Savers and other pound shops round the forum which have been here for years. The only difference with the 99p store is the food so you could expect business loss in other major local shopping places such as Sainsburys and Somefield etc. Its a great idea having the 99p store there if its not going to make more stores close because theres enough already closed down in Sittingbourne as it is.”