By Suzanne Whitewood
Opened towards the end of September, the new H & M store at Newport was the first of the five new stores in the South Street retail area (formally the bus station) to open.
It had been an exciting time for manager Gabrielle Prior and her staff getting the store ready for the opening. Selling ladies and children's wear, the ranges cover clothes for most occasions. Items are well stocked and the large store on two floors has plenty of space for shoppers and well appointed fitting rooms. There is a lift to the second floor and display areas are attractive and well lit.
Gabrielle has worked for H & M for six years and comes to the Island from the Portsmouth branch. Several new jobs have been created not only at H & M but at the other new stores in the complex.
There were a number of opening offers at H & M and a competition for one lucky person to win an H & M gift card to the value of £250. With "Fashion and Quality at Best Prices" they will have plenty of choice.
Other stores ready with a September opening were Peacocks and Bon Mache. Opening Bon Marche was a member of the public who had queued for some time. She was rewarded with a clothes voucher and bouquet.
The two final stores in the complex opened in October this included a larger New Look, which will now include men's wear, and Sports World. To celebrate the opening of New Look cardboard shoes were hidden around the town with vouchers for the finders to spend in the new store.
Behind the shopping complex there is the new bus station with several bus stands and information office.
Work is still going on in the other part of the South Street site, which certainly brings a new look to the centre of Newport.
After a re-vamp which has taken several months to complete, Marks & Spencer held a special event on 12th October. Customers were welcomed with Champagne and there were several competitions to win M & S Vouchers. £1,000 was given away all together to lucky customers with Ian Mac of Isle of Wight Radio doing the honours and making sure that customers were having a good time. For those who enjoy a drink or snack whilst they shop the M & S Café is much enlarged and there is now a choice of soft or up to table seating for those who want to relax.