New Argos store opens in Derby

A NEW Argos store is to open in Derby creating about 40 jobs.

Home Retail Group, which owns Argos, said it would be opening the store at Kingsway Retail Park on June 18.

The store will be within a building, part of which was formerly occupied by B&Q.

The DIY chain vacated the unit three years ago after it opened a warehouse store in Osmaston Park Road.

The units stood empty until they were reconfigured to allow the arrival of electrical retailer Best Buy in November, which took part of the building.

Argos already has stores in London Road, Derby, Heanor, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Alfreton, Burton and Uttoxeter.

A spokesman for the company said the jobs at the new store would be both full and part time, but that some positions may be taken up by workers from other Argos stores.

Last month, Home Retail Group reported that full year-profits had fallen by almost 10%, to £265.2 million, with the firm blaming uncertainty in the economy and low consumer confidence.

But it said its performance was in line with expectations. Its sales fell three per cent, with Argos hit the hardest. But DIY chain Homebase, also owned by Home Retail Group, saw its market share grow.

Despite its performance last year, Home Retail Group said that it would continue to invest in new stores and the refurbishment of existing outlets.

Grahame Downie, Argos Kingsway Retail Park store manager said: "Opening an additional store in the area allows us the opportunity to bring our customers the added convenience of purchasing locally.

"We are confident the offer of convenient shopping at the Kingsway Retail Park will be popular with our customers."

Source : Robin Johnson - Derby Telegraph
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