The Range has unveiled plans to create more than 1,000 jobs as it prepares to open a new distribution centre in the Southwest.
The discount homewares retailer has acquired a 55-acre site at Delta Properties’ logistics development at Central Park in Bristol, which will house the 1.2 million sq ft building. The Range said the distribution centre, which will employ 1,050 workers, will be completed by 2017.
The Range, which plans to take its UK store portfolio to 150 by opening 35 new shops in the UK during 2016, said the distribution centre will also support its multichannel operations and its European expansion plans.
An investment of more than £100m has been ploughed into the building, which has the potential to be extended to 1.3 million sq ft – the equivalent of 15 Wembley Stadiums.
The Range boss Chris Dawson said: “I did this deal on my favourite beach in Barbados, the same place I was when I bought all of the MFI stock year’s back. I think the piña coladas at the hotel have something special in them as I always do some of my best negotiating after a couple.
“The Range has continued to buck the trend of UK retail and opened superstores throughout the recession. This distribution centre is a big step in the expansion plans that I have for the business, it’s non-stop for us.
“Along with over 1,000 new jobs at the site this building will deliver long-term service contracts for local suppliers and inject millions of pounds into the Bristol economy every year whilst support local firms during the construction.”
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