A new 24-hour Tesco store which has created more than 180 jobs in Willenhall opened its doors to shoppers today.

The 32,000 sq ft store has replaced Kwik Save in Owen Road and includes food, clothing, electrical and health and beauty. 

Around 2,000 people applied for jobs at the Tesco and most have been given to long-term unemployed, single parents and other people who have experienced difficulties in securing employment. One of the first shoppers through the doors was Elsie Clarke, aged 84, of Moxley.

She said: “It’s going to make a big difference, I used to come here when it was Kwik Save. This supermarket will be a big asset to the area.

“I always come down when somewhere opens to have a look around and my first impressions are that it’s very good.”

The company was given planning permission after Kwik Save closed last April and the car park has been extended to 330 spaces.

Store manager Nathan Lomas said: “We hope the residents of Willenhall will be very happy with their new store. We strive to offer value for money with great customer service for people living or working in the area that want a convenient place to shop for their all their household needs.”

The store boasts a wide food range with a large choice of fresh food counters including fish, meat, deli and an in-store bakery.  

It also offers clothing from exclusive designers Cherokee and Florence and Fred and Tesco Direct Desk which enables customers to order from a range of over 8,000 non-grocery products from the entire range straight to their door.  

The store opens 24 hours from 8am Monday to 10pm Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays. To mark the big opening a family entertainment and a talent show called ‘Tesco Willenhall’s Got Talent’ will take place on August 25 from 11am to 3pm. 

On Bank Holiday Monday there will be a face painter in store between 11am and 4pm. 

On September 8, World Soccer Skills Champion Rob Walters will be in store to see customers.