Ex-DJ spins wheel of retail fortune

A FORMER DJ who is now pursuing a busines career has opened a third Lancashire convenience store.

In homage to his musical roots, Blackpool-based Michael Haith has named his growing chain after his former DJ name – Mike Smiley.

The new Smiley’s One Stop Shop on Waterloo Road, Marton has opened after extensive investment in a former furniture superstore.

Backed by a loan from Yorkshire Bank, Mr Hoath has invested ‘hundreds of thousands of pounds’ in buying and developing the 2,600sq ft site. The new shop, which trades under the Premier Stores brand, has created 20 jobs.

Mr Haith, who runs the business with his wife Melonie, said: “The building was very dilapidated and contained a significant amount of asbestos which we have safely removed from the area.

“Our new store has totally transformed the site into a business that will serve our local community, offering a comprehensive range of convenience foods for everyday needs.”

Mr Haith went into business after buying an off licence in Fleetwood Road from his parents, Dorothy and Wilfred Haith, in the 1990s. He successfully turned it into an everyday convenience store and opened his second store in Watson Road a few years later.

Keith Smith, a partner at Yorkshire Bank’s Preston Financial Solutions Centre  said: “Michael has grown his business steadily and sensibly over the years, and the prime location of the derelict Waterloo Road site presented a quality opportunity to expand the business again.

“We were therefore very keen to support Michael’s ambitions with this significant funding package which allowed him to acquire the site and make a significant investment in the premises, providing a great new convenience for local people and creating jobs.”