A trifecta of new stores costing more than £500k is on the plate for a popular North East family food business.
Dicksons has opened its 35th shop in Shiney Row, Houghton-le-Spring, creating eight new jobs in the process.
Directors at the South Shields-based company have also revealed two further stores will be launched in Peterlee and Durham Road, Sunderland, later this year.
Mike Dickson, Retail Growth and Development Director, has reflected on the 72-year-old business’ hectic, but exciting, last few months which has also included a major rebrand.
Mike said:
“It’s certainly been a busy time for us all. The rebrand at the end of last year went brilliantly and coincided with the launch of our new Blyth store up in Northumberland.
“Then we’ve gone straight into developing our three new sites and most importantly, creating new jobs for local people here in the region.
“Naturally we are thrilled to be serving residents in Shiney Row, their nearest Dicksons were either over in the city centre or on Newbottle Street, so this means we can provide them top quality products for breakfast, lunch and tea, right on their doorsteps.
“We’ve been looking at this site for the last few years as it’s a popular high street with good parking. We think we will be right at home here.”
Bosses will be immediately turning their attention to the new Peterlee store which aims to be open this September. The building, which previously housed Poundstretcher, has now been split into smaller retail units.
Swiftly following will be the Durham Road Dicksons which is part of a £10 million pound retail development on the site of old Farringdon Police Station.
Mike said:
“We are delighted to be creating 16 new jobs at two of our new sites. It’s always pleasing when we can give empty buildings, like the old Poundstretcher, a new lease of life.”
Mike added: “We are also very excited to be part of the new Durham Road development, our much-loved family brand will be among many household names including B&M and Costa.”
