MAJOR retailer, B & M is creating 155 new jobs in St Helens by launching a new superstore.

More than 1,500 people inundated B & M for jobs at the new superstore in the Church Square Shopping Centre.

Almost one in 10 people are unemployed in St Helens - three per cent above the national average - and the jobs are a welcome boost to the town, particularly as 99 per cent of them are going to local people.

The range of 155 jobs created by the flagship store includes both management and sales staff positions.

The superstore opens for business at 9am on Thursday, May 15 and B & M is planning a special launch through the weekend to celebrate the occasion along with a host of incredible bargains.

Customers will have the chance to join in the fun, which continues throughout the weekend, with top prizes such as TVs, videos and mountain bikes to be won in fabulous free prize draws in store.

In a remarkably quick turnaround, shopfitters have worked a minor miracle at the former Wilkinson's shop on Church Street, converting and refurbishing the19,000 square feet retail store in just 31 days.

B & M is bringing its famous brand of discount shopping to St Helens for the first time after careful research.

There will be 20 tills ready to cope with the anticipated volumes of customers, full disabled access to the superstore, two separate entrances and convenient car parking on the multi-storey car park right above B & M.

Customers will discover a huge range of goods on sale from gardening and electrical, to food and drinks, toys and stationary and fancy goods.

B & M also hopes to add a full off-licence to the superstore by the end of May.

B & M's retail director, Steve Greenaway said: "This is a wonderful site and a fabulous location for us. We are proud to be able to bring our sensational prices to the people of St Helens seven days a week.

"Our research has shown people in St Helens are already aware of B & M. We are confident that the new store will prove very popular with St Helens customers.

The B & M superstore will be the first in the Church Sqaure Shopping Centre to open seven days a week, pioneering Sunday shopping.

B & M hopes other shops in the precinct will follow suit, with the opportunity of free car parking on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

B & M's project manager for opening new stores, Tony Scott, said: "This is an important superstore for B & M and the opening represents a long-term investment by the company."

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