POUNDLAND has announced the date its newest store will open as it says more than 25 jobs have been created in the process.

The discount retailer has confirmed its new store in the former Outfit at the Arnison Centre near Durham City will open on Saturday.

Read more: Metrocentre bosses issue warning to anyone visiting as new Covid rules come in

Occupying almost 8,000 sq ft, the new store will feature a PEP&CO home and clothing area, frozen food aisles and the usual discounted products.

The Northern Echo: Picture: POUNDLANDPicture: POUNDLAND

Bosses have said the opening is part of "project Diamond Ice," which means the store will be part of 200 across the UK to sell a range of frozen and chilled food.

Austin Cooke, Poundland’s retail and transformation director, said: “The Arnison Centre is a great location for our new Durham store and a welcome addition to our network of stores across County Durham including the Durham Riverwalk store in the city.

“Everyone on our team has worked really hard to make this a store that will offer customers a great shopping experience."

The Northern Echo: Picture: POUNDLANDPicture: POUNDLAND

Poundland said more than 25 full and part time jobs had been created ahead of the store's opening.

Mr Cooke added: "We’re very proud of the store and the fact that we’re creating new jobs in the area.”

The opening comes as Poundland earlier this year announced the closure of its Bishop Auckland town centre store.

Read more: Poundland issue statement as Bishop Auckland store to permanently close

In May, the retailer confirmed it would not be renewing its lease on its premises on Newgate Street as it said it would be keeping its Tindale Crescent store open. 

In a statement, it said: “While we’re sad that the Poundland store in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, is closing on Wednesday 2 June following the expiry of the lease, we’re still offering customers amazing value at our nearby store Bishop Auckland Retail Park in Tindale Crescent.

"It goes without saying, when we close a store, we always work hard to look after colleagues directly affected." 

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