Brand new TJ Hughes store officially opens in Wolverhampton today - prizes await first 50 customers
Wolverhampton has welcomed back an old high-street friend today as discount department store TJ Hughes has made a comeback, opening right in the centre of the city.
The giant store - which opened in the Mander Centre today, Thursday, November 28 - has been sorely missed since it closed its doors way back in 2011, which offered punters across the city a taste of everything from electrical appliances, to perfumes, clothes and candles, making it a firm favourite for bargain-hunters during shopping sprees.
Keys to the former Wilko building - which closed last year, 2023 - were handed to the firm's COO, Jason Harmer, two weeks ago and staff have been hard at it since getting everything sorted for when it finally opens its doors this morning.
Opening with a bang, there's an introductory prize-giving bonanza in the form of some valuable red envelopes filled with gift vouchers which vary in value and will be handed out to the first 50 customers who walk through the door.
And, to top it off, Black Friday has come early with discounts on essential items like microwaves and air fryers.
It's not just a new store for shoppers though, it's a valuable investment in the city, with 26 jobs being made - and filled - helping locals make a living and provide for themselves and their family.
Speaking on the grand opening, Jason, who said the chain has always had a special relationship with the city, is looking forward to welcoming customers and aims to be a helpful store with plenty of deals to serve up in time for the festive season.
He said: "We got the keys two weeks ago and have been working hard to get it ready to welcome in customers.
"Ready for tomorrow we have 50 red envelopes, each of them has a prize inside with the biggest amount reserved for the first customer.
"We also have Black Friday offers in place and leaflets to let people know what's on offer as we get closer to Christmas.
"We've got electric appliances on offer and lots of good brands like Nike, Gucci, Lacoste, Clinique and Wrangler being stocked - there's a lot in store that we're sure the locals will be really happy with."
In terms of the locals, and the location, Jason said the firm is proud to be back in Wolverhampton because of the 'affiliation' the store has with the city.
He said: "It used to be here and in its history has a very strong affiliation with the city, we've been waiting for an opportunity to get back here so as soon as we found a vacant unit we jumped at the chance to set up shop.
"We're in the middle of the an expansion at the moment, we want to get back up to 50 stores and this is part of that plan.
"And of course, we had to make sure we were staffed up and offered 26 jobs out to the region which have all been filled."
The new store cements its place back in the city today, and remember to get there before 50 other people beat you to the prizes.
A spokesperson for TJ Hughes, said: "This represents an important move for us, it's a very well-located site that's convenient for the majority of shoppers and therefor should be good for the city and good for the brand.
"Importantly, it brings TJs back to Wolverhampton where we have a great history."
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