Weston locals rage at new 99p Stores

Discounter 99p Stores has attracted the ire of some shoppers in Weston-super-Mare after it was granted planning permission to take over a recently vacated Mothercare store in the town’s Sovereign Shopping Centre.

Local residents left a stream of complaints on a local newspaper’s forum.

“Another nail in the coffin of Weston for heavens sake!” said one poster on www.thewestonmercury.co.uk. “What are the powers that be trying to do, completely ruin Weston?”

“Terrific, another cheap store selling complete tat!” blasted another.

Shopping centre manager Nick Cooke told The Grocer: “There aren’t many retailers in an expansive mood, and 99p Stores came forward. They are a significant traffic-flow generator and retail is very much at the value end at the moment. We welcome them here!”