Store 'to boost visitor numbers'

Debenhams has employed 90 staff at the new store

A new department store due to open in Great Yarmouth will boost takings at rival stores, according to traders.

Two years ago a council report found the town was losing trade to Norwich because it did not have enough shops.

Debenhams is opening a branch in the multi-million pound extension to the Market Gates Shopping Centre, at the end of the month.

Rival shop Palmers said it expected to benefit from an increase in shoppers visiting the new store.

Boosting customers

Stuart McGee, the store director for Palmers - which has been trading in Great Yarmouth for more than 175 years, said: "The main thing Debenhams will bring is extra footfall coming to Great Yarmouth.

"They will no doubt bring in customers who would traditionally shop in Norwich. They will come into Yarmouth and shop with the rest of us."

Patrick Taylor, who will manage the new Debenhams, said 90 staff had been taken on in the local area, 70 of which will be permanent.

He added: "When we open we will have an impact short-term, but the town of Great Yarmouth has got to look medium-term."