Discount retailer Home Bargains has opened its long-awaited new store in a Gillingham shopping centre.

Hundreds of shoppers are being welcomed into the 17,330 sq ft store at Hempstead Valley for the first time today (15 November).

It has taken over the empty unit previously occupied by BHS, and later M&Co, opposite TKMaxx.

As part of a £1 million investment, the new store boasts a wide range of homewares, health and beauty products, snacks and drinks, and pet accessories.

Shoppers can also expect a much larger selection of fresh and frozen food than the nearby branch at Horsted Retail Park in Chatham, thanks to more than 20 refrigerators and freezers on the shop floor.

The value retailer has reportedly signed a 15-year lease with the shopping centre’s landlord, according to Completely Retail News.

Fifty-five jobs have been created for the local area, with 53 of those being ‘new hires’.

Shoppers have eagerly awaited the new Home Bargains store since the news was first revealed by Future Medway in 2023, with construction work taking place earlier this year.

The store’s opening also comes just weeks after rival retailer Poundland announced the closure of its branch at the shopping centre.

Robert Harley, Hempstead Valley store manager, said: “It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait to get open and deliver top brands at bottom prices to the good people of Hempstead.

“The new store is well situated to meet the needs of the locals, with a great variety of everyday essentials along with fresh, chilled & frozen food, all under one local roof.”

Founded in 1976, Home Bargains has become one of the UK’s largest family-run retailers with over 600 stores – and around 50 new stores a year.

It also says it attracts more than five million customers through its doors every week.

The Hempstead Valley store is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

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