A NEW superstore opened today in the long-disused former Littlewoods unit in Kidderminster town centre.

Discount wholesaler Hooty’s welcomed customers to its two-floor outlet in Worcester Street this morning.

The premises had been empty since Littlewoods closed down in 2006, when the firm was sold off to Primark.

Managing director Jim MacLachlan said: “We’ve had a pretty good reaction from people over the last few weeks when we have been working on the store and I’m confident we can do well in the town.”

The new shop sells items ranging from books and DVDs to fishing tackle, furniture and clothes.

Founded in 1963, Hooty’s already has one outlet at a business park in Willenhall but this is the company’s first high street store.

People began to queue outside the shop before it opened at 9am and the first 50 customers were given a £10 voucher to spend.

Bosses opted for a more low-key opening to avoid any potential over-crowding problems in the store.

Mr MacLachlan said he was “happy” with the amount of people who had turned up and added: “This is a town that people circulate around well and I think Hooty’s will draw in a lot of business.

“The town centre is being regenerated and we think we have a good future in Kidderminster.”

Fifty jobs were created by the new store, with more than 300 people applying for the posts earlier this year.

Jackie Roberts, Kidderminster town centre manager, hailed the arrival of Hooty’s as “fantastic news”.

She said: “The unit has been empty for so long, so to finally get somebody in there is brilliant.

“Hooty’s is a well-known local company which people will travel for - they already travel to Willenhall.”

Mrs Roberts added she hoped the new store would bring extra business to the town and boost smaller shops.