Brand new Asda Lives up to expectations

Asda Living’s brand new store at Parkgate Shopping launched on Friday 11 November, as his Worshipful the Mayor of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough, Councillor Shaun Wright, cut the all important ribbon to declare the store officially open for business.
 
Councillor Wright was joined on the day by local primary school teacher, Natalie Garbutt of High Greave Junior School, who was nominated by her pupils and fellow staff members as deserving of a special £100 makeover, courtesy of Asda Living’s George department.

Soon to be married Natalie was chosen after finding little time for herself with juggling school commitments and planning her perfect wedding. She was presented with £100 to spend at George to ensure she receives a bit of TLC during this frantic but exciting time in her life.

High Greave Junior School’s young choir, aged between seven and 11 were on hand to join in “Miss Garbutt’s” special day, as well as serenade the store’s new customers with their take on some old and contemporary hits.

Robin Bone, deputy head at High Greave Junior School, said: "Natalie is a wonderful teacher and always goes that extra mile for her pupils who just adore her. We are so excited for her big day but with a wedding and lessons to plan she hasn’t been able to take a minute for herself.

“We are extremely grateful to Asda for helping us recognise the great work she does around school and for providing something that will hopefully get her to stop for a few minutes and enjoy a bit of a treat."

Store manager Stephen Davies said: “I’d like to thank all our colleagues for their hard work getting the store ready for the opening and it has been a real pleasure sharing the celebrations with the Mayor and Mayoress, Natalie and High Greave Junior School.

“Our feet haven’t touched the ground over the last few months but we are delighted to be able to welcome customers through the door now. It was extremely encouraging to see the number of people queuing to enter the store and we hope we can be a worthwhile addition to the community.”

Councillor Wright added: “I am extremely pleased to have been invited to declare the store officially open. Asda has a long association with Rotherham and I am sure with the addition of this new store it will continue to have a positive impact in the community – creating new jobs for local people is the perfect way to start.”

The non-food store, which has created 81 jobs in the community and is based at Parkgate Shopping Park, will combine the very best George clothing, home ware and furnishings to provide customers with department store quality at every day low Asda prices.

In the picture are from left to right: Karen Aimson (Womenswear colleague), Stephen Davies (General Store Manager), Councillor Shaun Wright (Mayor of Rotherham), The Mayoress, Carla Bates (Visual Merchandiser)