Jobs boost as DIY store takes over former Woolworths store in Clevedon
SIX months after Woolworths closed its branch in Clevedon, a new shop will open in its place.
Proper Job has been fitting out the store, one of the biggest in Clevedon, this week and is hoping to open its doors today.
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Proper Job in the former Woolworths site in Clevedon
For more than 50 years, the high street chain Woolworths was a mainstay of Old Street.
But it became the highest-profile retail victim of the credit crunch when it was put into administration in December 2008.
The closure of the large shop has reduced footfall in central Clevedon and had a knock-on effect on other businesses.
But the owner of Weston-based DIY supplier Proper Job, started 12 years ago, is confident it will provide a much-needed boost to Clevedon's economy, following last week's announcement that the town's biggest employer, Clerical Medical, was to close its office on Tickenham Road.
Peter Tilley, who owns Proper Job with his dad Ray, said: "Hopefully we will be in a position to open on Thursday or Friday this week.
"I'm glad we're able to occupy this important site in Clevedon.
"We have been in negotiations for a few months and signed the lease last Wednesday.
"It will be our fifth shop, we already have two in Weston, one in Glastonbury and one in Bristol."
While the store is unlikely to employ as many as the 40 staff who worked at Woolworths in Clevedon and Nailsea, the move has been welcomed by the Clevedon Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
President David Hendey said: "It is a good local business and hugely positive for Clevedon.
"Let's hope it is the first sign of green shoots for The Triangle.
"Anything that boosts footfall in the area will have a positive effect on other shops."
3 Comments
by J. Walker, Congresbury
Sunday, December 27 2009, 10:06PM
“I welcom Properjob shops and normally travel to Worle to visit that branch. I find them good value for money and the quality is excellent. I have purchased everything from hand tools to garden equipment and much in between and as yet, had no problems. The staff are helpful and knowledable. My only concerne for this new branch is the appaling parking in Clevedon. I know it is possible to use the Morrisons store car park but this is quite a distance if, for instance, you are buying large bulky items. I putchased several large storage containers last year from the worle branch. This would not have been possible at the Clevedon branch due to no parking at all.”
by ryan, clevedon
Saturday, November 28 2009, 5:54PM
“I think another DIY store will be great on the triangle clevedon there are plenty of clothes shops in this area and i think this sort of store will stand the test of time good for you proper job'”
by Taxpayer, Clevedon
Sunday, July 05 2009, 11:02PM
“Clevedon needs another DIY store like it needs another coffee shop! We have a terrific DIY store in Teignmouth Road and if on the rare occasion they do not have what you require there is Focus in Strode Road.
A clothes shop would have been good! these chaep and cheerful factort type shops never seem to last.
Guess it is better than an empty shop!”