Bargain hunters set to flock to new 99p shop (From Stroud News and Journal)

Bargain hunters set to flock to new 99p shop

9:30am Saturday 10th October 2009

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HUNDREDS of bargain-hunters are expected to flock to Stroud town centre this month as a new branch of 99p Stores opens its doors in King Street Parade.

The outlet will create 30 new jobs when it opens in the former Woolworths building on Wednesday, October 21.

Store bosses expect lengthy queues to form before the 9am opening, despite thousands of residents signing an online petition against it on social networking website Facebook.

"We are sure that as soon as we open this petition will vanish," said chain boss Hussein Lalani.

"That is because once the public sees and samples our 99p branded products I am sure they will be hypnotised.

"Stroud has been the chain's most challenging project to date but we have won over customers in other parts of the UK, including Lymington where there were similar objections.

"Of all our 110 stores that one is now in our top five most popular.

"However well heeled a place is perceived to be we know that once a shopper walks through our doors they will be impressed.

"It will suddenly dawn on them that for years they have been paying over the odds for basic necessities like toothpaste and washing-up liquid."

The public opening will be preceded by a trolley dash where one member of the public or charity worker will be given 99 seconds to grab as many items as they can.

Store bosses have pledged to double the haul if the winner beats the current trolley dash record of 265 items.

99p Stores has made huge strides on the nation’s high streets since it was launched in London in 2001.

This year alone more than 40 new stores have opened nationwide as the business strives to reach 200 by 2010.

For more information visit www.99pstoresltd.com

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