Centre to thrive as new shops launched

A boomtime has been forecast for a shopping centre in Kidderminster where several new shops have opened since a change of ownership a year ago.

The latest store preparing to open its doors and breathe new life into the Rowland Hill Centre is the First Choice travel company.

The opening of the store by the Crawley-based firm has been timed for December 15 to enable people to book for late Christmas get-aways and make New Year holiday bookings. The move will also create five new jobs.

During the past month leading independent music retailer Fopp has opened a shop in the centre, creating 10 jobs. Fopp is celebrating its 25th anniversary year of trading and marketing manager Ryan Latham said it was felt it was "the right time and Kidderminster the right site" for its latest of 30 stores across the country.

Another shop to bring sparkle to the centre is Diamond and Pearls, which created six new jobs and sells costume jewellery, trinket boxes, hair slides and grips and fashion accessories.

News of the further take-up of space by First Choice has boosted traders' hopes of increased takings.

Centre manager Philip Dunn said: "We are delighted another shop is taking the opportunity of taking space in the centre."