New store gives boost to flagging Ayr High Street

Jan 21 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S the long awaited shot in the arm for Ayr High Street.

Now, as the town’s newest store sets to open, bosses are pledging to breathe life into a tired community.

Wilkinson, which specialises in household goods, is providing 80 jobs for an area in dire need of employment.

Coupled with the recent opening of Tesco Express and the upcoming Barrhead Travel Agency, the High Street’s green shoots of recovery are appearing.

Wilkinson store manager Craig Orrock is in no doubt his company has major responsibility on its shoulders.

He said: “We’re well aware that the area has high levels of unemployment and our arrival will provide a big boost.

“Just under 1200 people applied for jobs at the store and they ranged from 16 year-olds to people in their 60s.

“As a result, we’ve managed to create 80 jobs for the local community and we’re employing a good cross-section of society.

“The most important thing for the company is to be based within the High Street.

“We feel this is where the heart of a community lies and while it might be popular for a lot of stores to move out of town these days, everyone still needs their High Street shops.”

The 18,000 sq ft store, which opens next Wednesday, January 26, has already linked up with Newton Primary as an official sponsor.

And the company insists driving a community which has fallen on hard times is uppermost in its mind.

Craig, 40, revealed: “I’ve been involved in retail for 25 years now but this will be my first store opening with Wilkinson.

“We’re very excited about the prospects here in Ayr as it’s obviously a town which has a great potential.

“Building a good community spirit is key to what the company does and we’re determined to give back as much as we can to the town.”

The shop will be opened by Ayr singers the MacDonald Brothers and Provost Winnie Sloan.

She said: “Wilkinson’s launch and presence on Ayr High Street is very welcomed by South Ayrshire Council. The employment opportunities are a positive boost for the community and its proposition fits very well with its neighbouring retail community.

“We will always welcome new retailers to our High Street and we know the public will share this same sentiment.”