DOZENS of jobs will be created as two major retailers open new branches in Eastleigh next week.

Both German supermarket Aldi and discount chain Poundstretcher will open their new stores at Chestnut Avenue Retail Park on July 26.

As previously reported, the opening of Poundstretcher will create 25 jobs.

But Aldi has now confirmed that its new 1,280sqm store will also create 37 jobs for the local community.

Chandler’s Ford resident Mark Hawes will work as a store manager at Aldi and said: “We’ve put together a brilliant team to help run the Eastleigh store and I’m confident that together we can provide an excellent shopping experience. The team and I look forward to welcoming everyone through the doors.”

Olympic gold medallist Danielle Rowe, from Hamble, will officially open the store next Thursday at 8am and the first 30 shoppers will receive a complimentary bag full of fruit and vegetables.

Meanwhile, Poundstretcher will open its doors to the public at 10am with Councillor Bruce Tennent, the mayor of Eastleigh, cutting the ribbon.

Residents will be given the chance to win more than £3,000 worth of giveaways on the opening day, and there will be games and balloons.

Council leader Keith House said: “Both Aldi and Poundstretcher will be popular new stores, and provide competition for Asda nearby.”