3:00pm Friday 3rd July 2009
By James Colasanti
A NEW camping superstore has opened in Pitsea, creating 30 new jobs.
The Go Outdoors store at the former Homebase site in Hazlemere, off the High Road, opened its doors at 9am yesterday. By 10am, it had already attracted more than 100 customers.
The shop recruited four workers from the former Homebase store, and taken on another four through Basildon JobCentre, including a camping enthusiast who has been out of work for a year.
Management say if business does well there could be further jobs created later this year.
The opening follows a series of store closures recently in Pitsea, including the Railway Hotel, Blockbuster, delivery-firm DHL Express and Homebase.
Only this week, the Echo reported the Gala Coral bingo hall in The Broadway will shut at the end of the month.
Store manager Mark Bilton, 33, said Go Outdoors wants to work with schools, charities, Cub and Scout groups to ignite enthusiasm in outdoor activities.
He added: “We want to try to encourage children to stop playing computer games and get some fresh air. I used to go camping with my parents and people are doing it more and more in the recession.
“It would be great for local kids to experience the thrill and excitement of being outdoors.”
Go Outdoors has 16 outlets nationwide, the first of which opened in Sheffield.
The chain specialises in outdoor clothing, climbing gear, and cycling equipment at value prices.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/trade_directory/