BUDGET chain Poundstretcher was given a civic welcome at the official opening of its latest store which has created 25 jobs in Bradford.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Roger L’Amie and Deputy Lady Mayoress, Mrs Elizabeth Smith did the honours at the new 11,300 sq ft Poundstretcher and sister brand Pet Hut store at Enterprise 5, Idle.

The store opened for business a few days before the formal event due to demand .

Barry Lawton, store manager, said: “We’re delighted to have opened such a fantastic new super store for the people of Bradford. Poundstretcher has built an incredible reputation for value and choice since 1981 and it’s hugely exciting to bring this offer to the shoppers of Bradford.”

The Bradford store joins a chain which now has more than 400 outlets across the UK.

The opening coincided with with discount retailer B&M announcing plans to create 2,500 new jobs in its current financial year after highlighting "good momentum" in sales and profits.

The chain, which is now among the UK's biggest retailers after opening its 400th store last month, believes it has the opportunity to more than double in size to an estate of 850 UK shops, including local branches in Bradford, Shipley, Keighley, Pudsey and Halifax.

B&M chairman is former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy,who said there was scope for the business to at least double in size in the UK over the next few years.

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