New shops promise to breathe new life into Stourbridge (From Stourbridge News)

New shops promise to breathe new life into Stourbridge

4:27pm Wednesday 11th November 2009

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NEARLY 12 months after being hit hard by shop closures, Stourbridge’s Ryemarket shopping centre is starting to look healthier.

Discount retailer Home Bargains is set to open a new £500,000 store in the centre’s flagship unit - which has been vacant since Woolworths ceased trading in January.

The new store is set to open its doors on Saturday November 14 - bringing 30 new jobs to the town.

It will sell bargain-priced branded goods including homeware and household items, health and beauty products, sweets and snacks, drinks and alcohol seven days a week.

Joe Morris, operations director at Home Bargains - which is owned by TJ Morris, said: “Home Bargains is excited to be opening this new store in Stourbridge, bringing with it 30 top quality jobs. We’re thrilled to be in a position to offer local people top branded goods at exceptionally low prices.”

The store is one of 18 former Woolies outlets the company has snapped up from administrators Deloitte.

The Ryemarket has also recently welcomed Penmark Cards, trading as Hallmark and Thorntons; following the opening of weekly payment store Bright House in May.

Aldi’s mega new supermarket on the old B&Q site is also now open.

Elsewhere in the town - new ski-wear and outdoor gear shop H-2 Snow is getting set to open in Market Street later this month.

Suzanne Warby, who will be running the store alongside other business Ju-a Lingerie with partner Rob Warner, said: “We think Market Street is a fantastic area to start another business in. We’ve got so much support from local people - it’s great.”

Ushu Clothing is also set to open in Market Street this month - selling fashion items for larger ladies.

Owner Maria Psaras, aged 25, who previously ran Ushu Footwear in Kingswinford, said: “Due to the recession many shops in Stourbridge have sadly closed.

“I want to bring something back to Stourbridge with a bright and vibrant shop for larger ladies and somewhere they can shop and feel fabulous about themselves.

“Even if we are in the worst recession I still hope to ride it out and become a well-established business in one of my favourite towns.”

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