Retailer looking to take on 150 new staff in Merseyside

Retailer Matalan is looking to take on 150 new staff on Merseyside to work in its distribution centre.

The fashion and homeware specialist confirmed it is looking for staff to join them on a full-time basis with contracts lasting for a minimum of 12 weeks.

The recruitment drive is a result of growth in the firm’s online business.

Shifts are available for two different day patterns of 6am until 2pm and 2pm until 10pm, or a night shift of 10pm until 6am.

All the roles involve working Monday to Friday and the recruitment period will run until the end of August.

A spokeswoman for the store said: “Matalan’s Retail and eCommerce business has grown and demand continues to grow.

“As a consequence Matalan has invested in the team to deliver this growth, supporting the current team, the business needs and future employees in the best way possible.”

Las week the Liverpool based firm said revenues and profits rose in the first quarter of the year.

The company, which has 227 stores in the UK, said both store and online sales rose – with the latter climbing 39% and helping total revenues to increase by five per cent to £265.9m in the 13 weeks to May 26.

Pre-tax profits rose 11% to £24.8million.

Chief executive Jason Hargreaves said the results were ‘strong’ but warned there was no improvement in sight for the troubled retail sector.

“Our first quarter represents a strong set of results,” Hargreaves said.

But he added he was cautious about the outlook amid the ongoing troubles faced by retailers.

He said: “’We don’t expect the retail climate to improve in the short term and market conditions will remain difficult.

“Currency pressures on operating margins are ongoing. We are therefore cautious in our outlook but confident that our strategy is delivering for customers which positions us well.”