Debenhams' new Mander Centre store today (Thursday) opened its doors - providing a further boost to employment in the City of Wolverhampton.

Type=image;ImageID=13832;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Store manager, Alison Young and her team;TitleClass=strong;

Almost 90% of the flagship store's workforce are residents in the city - taking up around 130 of the 150 jobs created.

The impressive figures stem from the partnership work led by City of Wolverhampton's employer engagement team showcasing the vacancies and providing bespoke recruitment support through the Wolves@Work city team.

Alison Young, Debenhams store manager, said: "The council could not have been more helpful.

"We had an incredibly warm welcome when we came to the city and the council has helped answered the smallest query about where is best to park, all the way through to help with filling vacancies.

"They have done a lot of work with Jobcentre Plus and we have taken on some guys through them.

"To finally open the doors and see everyone enjoying the store is the best thing.

"It's lovely to come to a city where everyone is so knitted together around regeneration - and we are really enjoying being in the city."

The opening of Debenhams is part of the £35 million refurbishment of the Mander Centre which also saw the arrival of an H&M outlet in November, with further new stores to come.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, added: "The Debenhams figures show just how this type of investment not only regenerates the city - but also impacts on people's lives by delivering jobs.

"The new Debenhams store is a wonderful addition to the city and is a major boost the retail offer in the city, which should bring in more visitors to further boost the local economy."

  • released: Thursday 12 October, 2017