A MAJOR retail chain has invested around £1million into its new store in Carlisle, which will be officially opened at 8am on February 11.

Home Bargains says it is creating 51 new jobs in the local community with its store in Kingstown.

In total, it will employ 61 team members, including some staff and management, who will be transferring from other stores.

The new Carlisle store will join over 575 outlets across the UK. Opening approximately 50 stores a year, Home Bargains says it is bucking current trends in the industry.

Rachel Emmens, the new Carlisle store manager, who has worked for Home Bargains for over six years, said: “My team and I are extremely excited to welcome shoppers to the new Carlisle store and to get to know the community from the surrounding area.”

The 20,538 sq. ft store, will offer products including homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks, as well as fresh and frozen food.

Ms Emmens added: “We’re proud to be able to offer local people top-branded goods at exceptionally low prices.”

Charity donation

It will also be donating £2,000 to a local charity Cumbria Cerebral Palsy, which offers support, care, and aid for local people throughout Cumbria with Cerebral Palsy and associated disabilities.

The charity has a team which provides great support to our local people as well as a fundraising team that works hard to gain grants and funds for people who need it the most.  The charity runs a day centre that delivers the best person-centred care it is possible to offer.

Danielle Seidel, general manager at Cumbria Cerebral Palsy, said: “We are very thankful for this generous donation from Home Bargains in Kingstown; these funds will help support and raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy in Cumbria and associated disabilities.

"We feel very lucky to be recognised as a local charity, as we try to support, care, and aid the local people.”