A JOBS boost and expansion by a national developer will give Llandudno a bright future, according to councillors.
More than 20 jobs are expected to be created when Smyths toy superstore is opened at Mostyn Champneys Retail Park on September 18.
The news comes after national electrical retailer Currys expanded their unit on the same retail park. Further good news was announced when the unoccupied former Woolworths store on Mostyn Street was purchased by high street chain Alworth. The store is due to open this week.
Cllr Ann Yates said she is “highly delighted” by news of a new superstore and job opportunities. She said: “I think the toy store will do well, I'm over the moon. It is essential to fill the jobs gap in Llandudno. When I started as mayor this is what I wanted to see. I think people are sitting up and starting to take notice. I would like to see more smaller businesses in Llandudno, but the national companies have staying power. We need to support small businesses so that they will stay.”
Job vacancies at the newly developed toy store are expected to rise over the Christmas period, with hopes of full time and part time positions.
Llandudno councillor Doreen Websell said: "Any shop that comes to Llandudno and creates jobs is a good thing. People will always buy toys even when money is tight and it will be do well with Christmas coming up.”
Rhian Thomas, Conwy manager for Careers Wales said the organisation has seen a “significant” rise in the demand for Conwy careers, guidance from adults and particularly the need for redundancy counseling in the county since the recession hit. She said it may be a little early to claim Conwy is recovering and said details about the economy give a mixed outlook. She said: “It is always good news to hear of new jobs in the area and of new businesses opening. Careers Wales is always keen to work with new employers in the area and we look forward to the arrival of Smyths in the near future.”
In June the Pioneer reported how the former Victoria Wine store in Vaughan Street has been converted into a sweet shop. Developers, the McElroy family, also hope to re-develop the former Ball and Boyd Auctioneers into a 20 unit market, creating up to 40 jobs in the future.
Cllr Yates said: "I do think the future is looking bright for Llandudno, I feel very good about the town at the moment. When I have spoken to tourists during my mayoral duties and asked them if they like the town, they are always very positive."
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