TOWN CENTRE BOOST AS MAJOR RETAILER SET TO MOVE IN

MAJOR fashion retailer Peacocks has confirmed it will be opening a branch in Devonshire Road after advertising for a store manager.

The site has been vacant and a major eyesore ever since previous occupants, another fashion retailer M&Co, shut its doors for the final time earlier this year as the company plunged into administration.

Devonshire Road has several vacant retail outlets with businesses seemingly reluctant to invest in the town centre due to the current testing economic climate. Therefore the decision by Peacocks is certainly a welcome one.

Although no firm date has yet been set for the new store’s opening, Peacocks had previously stated its intention to open new branches at 20 former M&Co sites across the UK with Bexhill now identified as one of them.

In the advert, which was posted online at simplyhired.co.uk, the company stated: “Here at Peacocks we have a fantastic opportunity for a store manager based in our new store in Bexhill. “If you would like to be part of a forwardthinking business and have a job with excellent career prospects, then we would love to hear from you.

“As store manager we are looking for a wellrounded and commercial retail manager who is proactive in their approach and work using their own initiative.

“Fashion retail experience is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. The ideal candidate will have experience either in management or supervision of personnel within a retail outlet.”

M&Co traded in Devonshire Road for more than 20 years before shutting up shop in April this year in another prime example of the high street retail sector suffering due to a sharp downturn in customer spending and more and more people preferring to shop online.

However, the news that Peacocks is opening one of its new branches in Bexhill is certainly bucking that trend and will hopefully lead to more major retailers following its example.