New Maplin store in Worthing reports strong trading

The opening deals available to customers during the first month of its trading in Chapel Road have ensured the business has been given a strong reception by shoppers in town.

Specialising in more than 13,000 electrical goods, the company, which has more than 180 branches across the UK, selected Worthing as only its second site in the county.

Nearly 100 people had applied for the nine jobs available at the new outlet, which had formerly been a branch of Argos.

Manager Andy Bird believed there had been an extremely positive reception its arrival.

He said: “It has been going very well here in our first few weeks and a lot of people have been saying how grateful they are that Maplin has come here.

“Many customers recognise our assistant manager Dawn Manning who previously worked at our Brighton store.

“For our opening weekend we had queues right down the street, with our offers on ‘Android slate tablets’ which are similar to I Pads, and our USB turntables have also sold well, as have portable computer hard drives that we are stocking.The feedback we have been getting from people has been excellent,” said the manager who explained that since the departure of the Tandy store in Worthing, there had been a gap in the market for a specialist electrical supplies shop in the area.

Worthing-based Mr Bird, who has previously worked for major retailers including Dixons, said his company’s move into its latest Chapel Road site was part of a wider expansion with 15 new stores across the country expected this year.

Satellite equipment and home CCTV systems are presently among its biggest sellers amid its range which spans everything from disco party lights to DIY tools.

Mr Bird added that it would be continuing its initial sales drive with further promotional activity as the store looks to cement itself in the town.

He said: “Times have been tough for everyone, but I think the fact that we’re growing as a store is the fact that we offer excellent customer service. The team we have are all bonding well and we have provided full training for them and will be doing NVQ qualifcations for them and hope that this will mean they stay with us.” - For information visit www.maplin.co.uk