The Range are to open their first Highland superstore ahead of schedule, bringing dozens of jobs to Inverness.
Britain’s fastest growing retailer will move into Inverness Retail and Business Park on Friday July 5, a week earlier than their original opening date.
The venture will provide 80 full and part-time jobs in positions ranging from store and department managers to warehouse assistants and retail administrators.
Firm founder and boss Chris Dawson said: “We’re really pleased that we can open the Inverness store ahead of when we had originally planned. The new earlier opening date means the local community will have to wait less time to explore their brand new superstore”.
Their announcement comes less than a week after the retail giant announced plans to move into the unit, once home to ailing DIY retailer Homebase.
The new superstore will offer products across 18 departments including arts and crafts, home interiors and DIY, alongside a family café and a large outdoor garden centre.
The warehouse has lain vacant for several months after the Inverness branch of Homebase became one of 42 to close across the country.
Renovations to the space are currently underway in preparation for the grand opening.
The development has been welcomed by a number of city leaders who believe it shows the strength of the retail industry in the city.
Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Stewart Nicol, said the development was testament to the “strength” of the city’s economy.
He said: “I think it’s excellent.
“The number of jobs being created is really positive for the city and it’s good to see the retail park continue to be so active.
“I think it illustrates the strength there is in Inverness and the strength of the economy within the inner Moray Firth.”
