Town centre boost as new store to open

The family-run firm, in South Street, will return to its roots in Montague Street, taking over the Ernest Jones unit.

The town’s first standalone store selling the increasingly-popular jewellery brand, will be open by Mothers’ Day and joined by a further Pressleys store later in the year.

Owner Jonathan Pressley said: “We are putting in a bright and sparkly brand new Pandora store, which will look really amazing.

“It is the best shop in Worthing, right in the heart of the town.”

The Herald reported in July that the town was set for a Pandora store but negotiations for the unit hit a snag, delaying this week’s announcement.

With the nearest similar store in Brighton, Mr Pressley hopes it will draw shoppers in from other towns.

It will be the firm’s second Pandora store, with its Chichester outlet performing above expectations.

Mr Pressley said: “Pandora is getting stronger and stronger and our shop will be right in the thick of it, where business is extraordinary and people will come from all over.”

The firm hopes to take advantage of higher footfall on Montague Street and was also attracted by the planned redevelopment of the town’s main shopping precinct, which will be completely repaved.

Town centre manager Sharon Clarke said the news was ‘fabulous’ for the town.

“One of the things people have said is they want to see better quality retailers in the town centre and to have a Pandora store is fantastic for Worthing.

“When you go into Pressleys, you feel special. The customer service is second to none.”

Pressleys was founded in 1909 by George ‘Harry’ Pressley, who initially opened in Montague Street.

In 1935, the shop moved to South Street, which was at the time the town’s main shopping street. The South Street branch was extended next door in 2011.

In 1952, it presented the town with a new clock, which still stands in South Street Square today – and Mr Pressley hinted he would consider doing something similar to mark the opening of the latest store.