Jobs created as outdoor retailer launches largest UK store

Outdoor retailer Blacks has launched its largest UK store at a South Yorkshire shopping centre.

The 16,000 sq ft outlet at The Moor in Sheffield is the latest of the retail group’s new concept stores, and the opening has created 15 jobs with further roles promised.

Phil Huby head of retail asset management, UK Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “To have Blacks open soon after The Light Cinema and three restaurants Pizza Express, GBK and Zizzi, is really good news for The Moor. Next will be Krispy Crème that is due to open in the kiosk outside Primark and will have outdoor seating, followed by Nandos in August, extending our all day and night food offers. We are increasing shopping, eating and leisure choices on The Moor month by month which is being reflected in growing visitor numbers.”

Figures reveal that there has already been benefits from the regeneration with 9.4m visitors in 2016 – 7.2% up on 2015, according to Huby. Christmas 2016 figures were even stronger with a 14% increase on the previous year. Current footfall is up 21.2% on the same period as last year.

Lee Bagnall, CEO of Blacks Outdoors at JD Sports, said: “We’re delighted to open Blacks’ largest UK store on The Moor, which is right in the heart of Sheffield’s city centre. The work that has been done to revitalise the city centre is really outstanding and we are really excited to welcome customers to what is a very special, state of the art, store, in which they will be able to use all of the very latest technology in outdoor wear and equipment to give them a truly interactive experience.”