Dealz and Pets at Home have celebrated the opening of their stores in the island.
Discount retailer Dealz was opened in the former Woolworth’s store in Strand Street, Douglas, on Saturday, by Coronation Street star Katy Kavanagh, who plays Julie Sharp in the ITV soap.
The previous day, UK chain Pets at Home opened a store in Spring Valley Industrial Estate, in Braddan.
While the announcement was widely expected, Dealz, part of the Poundland empire, only confirmed its arrival last week.
Dealz launched in the Republic of Ireland in October of this year and is on track to open at least six stores in Ireland by the end of the current financial year, in March 2012. It is promising ‘amazing value’ on up to 3,000 products.
The new Dealz store has 6,000 square feet of retailing space and will create 45 jobs, including 10 temporary Christmas jobs.
Poundland chief executive Jim McCarthy said: ‘The Dealz brand has had a fantastic reaction in the Republic of Ireland and we are confident that savvy price conscious consumers in the Isle of Man will welcome a professional discount retailer.
‘Poundland had a great year in 2010/2011, achieving record profits and opening 64 new stores throughout the UK, and we’re excited to see our continuing expansion with the new Dealz store in Douglas.’
To mark the opening, there was a family fun day at the store.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of Douglas David Ashford has officially opened Pets at Home in Cooil Road.
The firm has invested more than £400,000 in the store and has created 12 jobs.
Store manager Nigel Thijs said: ‘We’ve all worked really hard to get the store looking fantastic for our customers and their pets.’
He added: ‘We look forward to being actively involved in the local pet community from day one and hope that we’re able to support lots of local organisations in raising awareness of responsible pet care in the area.’
Pupils from Anagh Coar School in Douglas also attended the opening and enjoyed a tour of the store and a pet care workshop.
MSPCA volunteers also spent time at the store over the weekend to tell customers about their work and raise much needed funds.
The 8,000 square feet store has thousands of pet products for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, birds, fish and wildlife.
The store will also be home to a Pet Adoption Centre, where pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals are cared for until a new home can be found.
Other in-store features include an aquatic centre, with cold water and tropical fish, and a reptile centre, where a dedicated team will be on hand to answer any questions about caring for bearded dragons and leopard and crested geckos.
