MORE evidence emerged this week that Great Yarmouth is holding its own in the midst of the credit crunch with one store opening just as another closes.

MORE evidence emerged this week that Great Yarmouth is holding its own in the midst of the credit crunch with one store opening just as another closes.

Clothing Direct in Market Gates is due to shut for good today but will re-open in a few weeks as a 99p Store proving, say analysts, that there is plenty of interest in the town.

Centre manager Nick Spencer said he was delighted the high street multiple was taking the prime site close to the revamped bus station and that there was plenty of interest in other vacant units within the mall.

Describing itself as a “recession-busting brand” 99p Stores aims to open early next month as it continues its march across the country, opening two stores a week.

A spokesman said: “The UK bargain brand is opening up a shop at the Market Gates Shopping Centre in the town - and one of the reasons they are doing so is because Great Yarmouth people love a great bargain when they see one.

“The tens of thousands of bargains on offer will include lots of top branded items from tools to toiletries, gardening to gifts and stationary to snacks all for 99p each.

“Cheap has certainly become the new chic.”

"When we opened our very first UK store at the start of the millennium our customers were bargain hunters. Now they come from every sector of society and every single one of them is welcome."

Because Yarmouth's shopping mix has never been pitched at the “high end” it is considered well-placed to weather the cold-economic climate.

Mr Spencer said Clothing Direct's lease had come to its natural end and a “back to back” deal was done with 99p Stores who had been waiting for the right unit for some time.

Its prominent position complemented Iceland's on the opposite corner, he added, at a time when Victoria Arcade had also agreed some positive lettings. “There is a lot of positive stuff going on. Yarmouth has been less affected by the downturn than some other areas and it's good to see people spending money on rebranding and refurbishment across the town.”