By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 13:14, Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Workington’s long-awaited H&M store will open its doors to the public tomorrow.

The first 100 customers through the doors of the store, which has filled four units in the town’s shopping centre, will each receive a £5 voucher.

It was thought that the opening date would be delayed until Saturday, but this has now been brought forward to its original opening of tomorrow.

The clothing giant has brought 30 jobs to the town and has taken over the ground and first floor of the units on Risman Place, opposite Debenhams and next to Clarks.

Dave Fletcher, development manager for the shopping centre, said that it is great news for the town and he was excited about the opening.

He also added that the £35m shopping centre is now 98 per cent occupied - which is the most successful it has been since it opening seven years ago.

“I’m really pleased about the opening,” said Mr Fletcher. “It’s magical for the people of Workington and the town.”

Washington Square Shopping Centre has seen a number of shops open and close over the years during the recession and has constantly had empty shop units.

And following the news earlier this month that three more businesses are to also move into the centre, it is at the peak of its success.

Ladies fashion store Select, Jane Street Barbers and Mobile Booth have all agreed to fill an empty unit and negotiations are taking place with another company about the possibility of moving into the former JJB shop which closed last month.

Only two large and two smaller shops, out of the 52, now remain empty – which is a massive boost for the shopping centre, especially during the economic downfall, added Mr Fletcher.

H&M sells around 550 million garments each year. Singer Lana Del Rey has been signed up to be the “face” of the company.

The company’s manager for the UK and Ireland, Magnus Olsson, said that he was “excited” for the shop’s arrival, adding it is H&M’s first store in west Cumbria.

First published at 13:12, Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk