Job boost as The Range announces plan for Ballymena store

The Range is set to open their first Northern Ireland branch at the town’s Braidwater Retail Park, in the unit previously occupied by B&Q.

The new store will include a family cafe and a spacious outdoor garden centre and will provide around 80 jobs for the local area from store to department managers and warehouse assistants to retail administrators.

The jobs will be a combination of full time and part time roles.

The Range is owned and run by Plymouth based entrepreneur Chris Dawson who started out as a market stall trader across the South West of England.

He opened his first superstore in 1989 in his home town of Plymouth and has grown the company at an impressive rate since.

Chris said: “We are really excited to begin our Northern Irish expansion in Ballymena.

“It is a great step in helping the business to progress and grow. We feel that The Range is a unique shopping experience that has something for everyone and are sure that the new store will be a welcome addition to the local area.”

The retailer is recognised for offering quality products across 16 departments including DIY, arts & crafts, furniture and homewares - all at affordable prices.

The Range is currently going through a period of expansion and now has over 125 stores across the UK and Ireland.