Jobs created as leading value grocery retailer makes Merrion Centre move

VALUE grocery retailer Heron Foods is preparing to fly in to the Merrion Centre later this year after signing for a 2,988 sq ft store, creating 16 jobs.

Heron Foods has been on a programme of expansion and said it has chosen Leeds’ longest-established shopping centre as its first base in the city centre due to its high footfall.

The opening of the new store in November will mark the eighth new brand to have opened its doors in the Merrion Centre over the last 12 months.

The mall has also recently welcomed the only Leeds United Shop in the city centre and will also soon become home to alehouse The Dockyard.

Mike Igoe, commercial director for Heron Foods, said: “We are delighted to be bringing our fantastic mix of great customer service and exceptional value to Leeds shoppers. Heron Foods is committed to providing top quality food products at the lowest possible prices every day in every store.

“Heron Foods is always looking for the best sites to open new stores and moving into the Merrion Centre was a great opportunity for us due to its fantastic location and popularity.

“Heron Foods continues to buck trends in the industry as we expand and find homes in new communities. The Heron Foods team is looking forward to welcoming new customers to this new store at the Merrion Centre.”

Helen Green, associate director at Town Centre Securities, owner of the Merrion Centre, said: “We are really pleased to be welcoming yet another major name to the Merrion Centre. We’re continuing to drive forward on our mission to house the best mix of retail outlets and leisure facilities in Leeds.
 
“We want to ensure all visitors to our centre have access to a varied array of shops and we are confident that Heron Foods will be another successful addition that our loyal shoppers will love.”

Hull-headquartered Heron Foods trades from 250 stores and employs more than 3,200 people.