Jobs created as Australian brand signs for shopping centre
AN AUSTRALIAN stationary brand will be the latest addition to Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre when it opens today, creating eight jobs.
Smiggle’s opening in the centre is the latest stage in the firm’s ambitions to open 200 new outlets across the country by 2019.
Smiggle – ‘where a smile meets a giggle’ – opened its first store in Melbourne in 2003 and went on to open seven UK stores between February and June 2014 alone.
As well as colourful and quirky stationery for youngsters to use at school, for homework or play, Smiggle also stocks products including bags, lunch boxes and drinks bottles, watches and clocks, lighting and toys and games.
Managing director of Smiggle, John Cheston, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our 62nd store. There really is nothing like Smiggle anywhere else on the high street – and it will be great to see the public’s reaction when the doors open on the 17th.
“It’s important for us to inject fun into everything we do – from product design to store design, we will always focus on delivering to our fans the most original and playful stationery possible.
“We look forward to welcoming families in our Doncaster store who know of the brand and are excited for our arrival, as well as introducing the colourful world of Smiggle to new fans in the area.”
Karen Staniforth, marketing manager at Frenchgate added: “We can’t wait to welcome a fun and fashion-forward brand like Smiggle to the centre.
“The store will be a great addition to our offering here at Frenchgate and we have already got the opening date for the stationery specialist pencilled in and highlighted in our diaries.”
Smiggle’s new store follows a total of 22 new lettings for Frenchgate in 2015, totalling almost 65,000 sq ft of space and including a 15,800 sq ft store for New Look.
