MORE than 30 jobs have been created in a County Durham town centre by a discount store which has taken over a defunct chain’s former unit.

Bargain Buys will open its doors in Newton Aycliffe Shopping Centre at 10am on Friday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Deputy Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Cllr Mary Dalton.

The new store is located in the former Poundworld, which was opened by Cllr Dalton, then Mayor of Great Aycliffe, with great fanfare and huge queues in 2015.

It was one of all Poundworld stores to close by August this summer following the company going into administration.

The 5,000sq ft store had previously been Poundstretcher and is the twelfth Poundworld store to be taken over by Bargain Buys.

Property director, Gerry Loughran, said: “We are pleased to be opening a brand new store to the people of Newton Aycliffe with loads of fantastic branded products, all at bargain prices, and look forward to opening another 50 stores over the coming months, creating over 1,000 jobs.

“The team is working hard to deliver an outstanding shopping experience, great service, and an enjoyable shopping environment for all our new customers.

“We are expecting massive queues for our opening day only specials, so come early to catch the bargains.”

The Newton Aycliffe store has recruited more than 30 new members of full and part-time staff.

Staff have been retained from the previous Poundworld store.

Bargain Buys offers everything from homeware products and household essentials to toiletries and branded confectionery and drinks.

A spokesperson for Bargain Buys added: “The newly designed store has been modelled to enhance the shopping experience for all our Newton Aycliffe customers.”

And to kick-start its official opening there will be thousands of pounds worth of savings as part of its ‘store opening day only specials’.

  • The first five customers in line for our store opening will receive a double faux leather bed for £19.99 (RRP £99.99).
  • The next ten customers will get a Hyundai steam mop for £14.99 (RRP £39.99), and then the next 15 customers will be able to take home a glass TV stand for £9.99 (RRP £49.99).
  • And for the next 175 customers, a washable rug will be available for £4.99 (RRP £9.99).

Due to demand the offer is limited to one per household.

The opening proceedings will carry on until 4pm with a fun day offering family-friendly activities and game shows plus prize giveaways.

  • The Northern Echo will be covering the event on Friday.