The owner of Lakeside Retail Park’s newest superstore, The Range has admitted that bringing his chain to one of Europe’s biggest retail parks is one of his proudest achievements.
Plymouth-based entrepreneur Chris Dawson will officially open his 46th Range superstore in Thurrock on the 27th August – bringing 150 more jobs to the surrounding area and the home retail superstore will replace the space vacated by Curry’s at Lakeside.
Mr Dawson said: “To get our 46th store here it is really something. The Park is one of the most famous in the country, and it’s a real thrill to know that the people of Thurrock and beyond can buy all their bargains here.”
The colourful entrepreneur, who is tipped by many to replace James Caan on BBC program Dragon’s Den, praised the local authorities who enabled The Range to move into the Retail Park with few hiccups.
Dawson added: “I’ve been trading for over 40 years and although each new store feels like a baby to me, this one because of the importance of the location feels extra special.”
2010 is shaping up to be a very busy year for Chris Dawson and The Range: 5 new stores have opened up across the country since April and five more stores not including Thurrock will open by Christmas.
The new Lakeside superstore will create 150 more jobs in the area ranging from Departmental Managers, Store Managers to Back office and warehouse staff. One new recruit, store manager Peter Izzard, said his team were ready for the opening day.
The first Range superstore was opened in Plymouth in 1989, and has grown continually since then. Nowadays 45 stores stretch across Britain from Truro to Carlisle, offering 60,000 products across 16 departments.
The new store opens at 9am sharp on Friday 27th August. Mr. Dawson asks that there be no queuing before 6am as customers at previous store openings have caused traffic congestion.
For more information visit http://www.therange.co.uk
