New 'Woolies' for Stornoway
A NEW 'woolies' will open on Cromwell Street this summer, creating at least 28 jobs and taking on some former staff.
Wee W Ltd, will open its doors in the current M&Co premises when they relocate to the former Woolworths store.
Behind the venture are local entrepreneurs Innes Macleod and Ann MacCallum.
After months of mourning the closure of the store, island shoppers will be delighted to see a replacement open its doors for business with stock including entertainment, homewares, DIY and electricals.
They will also see some familiar faces in store including the last Manager Terry Ovenstone who will be back in his position and also sales assistants Carol MacIver, who worked for Woolies for 25 years and Mark Mackinnon who had been there seven years when the store closed.
Describing more about the venture, investor Mr Macleod said: "We're supporting this business to assist the economic and social regeneration of Stornoway. Our aim is to give the community products at competitive prices, and create jobs in the island."
He added that they were particularly delighted to have recruited the last person to manage the old Woolies, Terry Ovenstone, who was planning on leaving the islands to seek work on the east coast.
Said Mr Macleod: "Our islands need people like Terry, and we're pleased that both he and his young family now have an opportunity to stay in the Hebridesn and make a difference in the community."
Returning to the forefront of such a store in Stornoway is a great opportunity for Mr Ovenstone who is looking forward to the new challenge and says the team want to make the store 'a must visit venue' for all.
"The business philosophy of WeeW is simple," he explained, "We'll provide every day products at every day prices and I'm delighted that some of my former Woolies colleagues will be joining what will be a workforce of 28 staff."
Also giving her support to the business is island businesswoman Ann MacCallum who said: "Terry is the perfect person to lead and develop WeeW.
"The heart was ripped out of Stornoway when Woolworths closed its doors. WeeW will help put life back into the town and bring back the fun to shopping in Stornoway."
WeeW is due to open in mid summer after the premises are vacated by M&Co who are also due to open their new store next month.
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Weather for Stornoway
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North east
