UPDATED: A 99p store is set to take over the former HMV premises in Newport High Street, IslandEcho can exclusively reveal.
The chain, 99p Stores Limited, has over 200 stores nationwide and will open their first Isle of Wight shop at 09:30 on the 23rd November – just 10 days away.
62 High Street, Newport has been the home of music retailer HMV since the 1990’s, but relations with the landlord broke down earlier this year which led to the lease not being renewed and ultimately the closure of the much-loved store last month.
99p Stores stocks a very wide range of products from furniture polish to chocolate, with prices that are consistently low all-year round.
UPDATE @ 14:30 – To celebrate the opening, one islander will get to perform a unique world record trolley dash bid.
The trolley dasher will also be declared a ‘VIP’ – Very Important Pennysaver – for the day on the Saturday Grand Opening and will get to cut the ribbon with giant scissors alongside with the biggest VIP of them all, Santa.
Whatever the lucky winner scoops up, they keep. If they go on to beat the world record their haul and trawl will be doubled.
Mr Lalani – co-founder and co-owner of the rapidly-multiplying value brand – reveals 30 new jobs will be created with the opening of the store, part of an overall UK expansion by the single price point giant which last year announced it was creating 3,000 new jobs.
Mr Lalani said:
“We are delighted to be opening our very first Isle of Wight branch.
“There have been online and Facebook campaigns for us to come to the island and we are honoured that we have been invited.
“Thank you to everyone who has invited us to open on The Isle of Wight.”
At the Grand Opening, Santa will be giving free balloons and sweets and treats to children, spot vouchers to shoppers and entertaining the public.
For your chance to win the trolley dash prize, simply email your name and contact details to [email protected]. The closing date is midnight on Wednesday 20th November 2013.
The dash will take place just before the Grand Opening.
