'Worthing continues to attract' - Sussex seaside town celebrates opening of major retailer
An international footwear brand has officially opened a new store in Worthing town centre.
Skechers celebrated the grand opening of its Montague Street shop on Friday (March 6), bringing a range of lifestyle and athletic footwear to the town.
The new store offers shoes for men and women, as well as accessories and children’s styles, with the brand promising shoppers its signature comfort and everyday footwear.
Located in the former Argos building at 97-99 Montague Street, the unit has stood empty for several years since the catalogue retailer closed.
The arrival of the global footwear brand has been welcomed as a positive development for the town centre.
Ödül Bozkurt – Labour councillor for Central Ward and cabinet member for housing and citizen services at Worthing Borough Council – paid a visit to the ‘fab’ new store.
She wrote on Facebook: “A big welcome to the brand new Skechers shop on Montague Street and the team there. Yet another sign that while retail and high streets are changing, Worthing continues to attract new independent and corporate businesses.
“Online shopping can be convenient but it's still so much better to try things on and see how you feel.”
Worthing Town Centre Business Improvement District also welcomed the opening.
The BID’s Facebook post read: “A new chapter in comfort is arriving on Montague Street. The Skechers Worthing store opens Friday 6th March, your shopping destination for top lifestyle and athletic
footwear for men and women, plus accessories and fun styles that kids love to wear!
“At Skechers, step in and discover signature comfort you won’t find anywhere else, and experience a new standard for everyday wear, at Skechers in Montague Street.”
The opening follows earlier confirmation that the brand would move into the prominent retail space. Posters advertising Skechers had appeared in the windows, ahead of the launch.
Planning applications linked to the property were also submitted to Worthing Borough Council in recent months.
Town planning consultants Lewis & Co previously applied to install a new shopfront, including two sets of double doors so the large retail unit could potentially be divided into two shops in the future. Those plans were approved.
Separate proposals had also been submitted to add an additional storey to the building to create four flats – three two-bedroom properties and one one-bedroom flat — though a decision on that application is still pending.