STRETFORD Mall bosses are celebrating the return of department store TJ Hughes – which will create 40 new jobs.

The much-loved retailer, which was established in 1912 and taken over by Lewis’ Home Retail Ltd in August 2011, will be opening its doors in its original large corner unit by the end of October.

Stretford Mall manager, Colin McCrory, has greeted the news with delight and said it was a significant development for the shopping centre to welcome back such a well-known store which had been sorely missed by shoppers.

Colin said: “We are extremely thrilled and excited to see work already being carried out by TJ Hughes in the unit which our shoppers are very familiar at finding them in.

“We have been working very hard behind the scenes with TJ Hughes to secure their return and it really is so positive to see it come to fruition.

“Not only will it return to its status as one of our main flagship retailers for the scheme but it will also create 40 new jobs which is terrific news for our local community.

“Its return is also perfectly timed to fit in with our preparations for the busy festive period and I know the opening of TJ Hughes will add significantly to the choice on offer to our loyal shoppers as we start the run up to the big day."

Staff are currently being interviewed and recruited for the new store, which is on track to be opened before the end of the month.

The discount department store will specialise in home and fashion, fragrance and cosmetics, technology and electricals.

Kim Beattie, marketing manager for Lewis’ Home Retail Ltd, said: “We are delighted and excited to return to Stretford because of the many loyal customers we know we have in the area.

“Customers can expect, bigger, better famous brands at the same affordable prices and all those little hidden gems which people know us for.

“The store will also receive an interior facelift prior to us opening before the end of the month.”

Visit stretfordmall.com for more information.