Photo - Alan Mak MP meets staff at the new Next store in Solent Retail Park
Havant MP Alan Mak has helped open the new Havant branch of nationwide clothes retailer Next. The brand new store in Solent Retail Park features nearly 25,000sq.ft of shopping space for local residents, whilst also creating 13 new jobs and bringing in 95 transferred roles to the premises.
The Havant store will include specialist departments for women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as a home section to help cater for the needs of local residents. The two-floor premises come complete with a shoe room, a lingerie boutique, and a Costa Coffee on-site.
Mr Mak, who helped to open the new branch, has been a key backer of the retail industry around his Havant constituency since his election in May 2015. His recent Small Business Awards, in partnership with the News celebrated the best of local enterprise around Havant; whilst the inaugural Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair provided employers – both national and local – with a unique opportunity to engage face-to-face with the booming Havant employment market.
The Havant MP welcomed Next’s announcement of a celebratory opening day offer, which gives customers a chance to win a £250 shopping spree, or one of three £100 gift cards in Next’s “Pick, Pose, Win competition.”
Mak said: “I was delighted to help open Next’s impressive new store in Solent Retail Park, the biggest in the region. The presence of such a well-respected, nationwide retailer is a real boost for the local economy and great news for local shoppers.”
The Havant MP added: “Havant is already popular with shoppers, and I want it to become an even bigger shopping destination in the future, especially as we redevelop Market Parade. Attracting and expanding major retail brands like Next shows our local economy is strong and business confidence in the area is high.”
Store manager Andrew Mailland said: “We would like to welcome all of our customers to the fantastic new store at Solent Retail Park. This will be the biggest Next store in the area. We can offer so many new ranges and product to our customers. It is fantastic to see Alan supporting the retail sector around Havant and I thank him for helping to open our new store.”
The new Next will be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 10pm, Saturday 8.30am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 4.30pm.