The long-awaited Debenhams department store is due to open in Malta at The Point shopping centre in Tigné, Sliema in spring 2010, and is about to launch its first major recruitment drive.

“We are looking to build a team of individuals with the right attitude and work ethic, keeping focus on our customers in whatever we do. Our initial drive is aimed to fill the key positions, namely those of the visual merchandiser, operations, merchandiser and warehousing. We are especially interested in hearing from skilled individuals who enjoy working in the fast-moving and exciting fashion industry, and who nurture teamwork, customer focus and attention to detail,” said Kevin Gollcher, general manager of United Department Stores Ltd.

“We shall then be having a second recruitment drive that will be focusing on our sales team later on in the year,” said Mr Gollcher.

As the anchor tenant at The Point, Debenhams store will be just under 3,000 sqm of the 14,000 sqm of the shopping centre. The department store, which is Malta’s first Debenhams, will be operated under a franchise agreement by United Department Stores Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of United Group Ltd.

Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong and ever growing presence both across Europe and worldwide in key product categories, such as womenswear, menswear, kidswear, homeware and health and beauty. It has over 150 department stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and over 50 international stores. In the last six months, five new international stores and one new UK store were opened. By the end of 2009 Debenhams will be opening an additional three stores in the UK with a further three stores internationally.

“We are looking forward to being part of The Point shopping centre which development will surely be a destination for retail and leisure activity in Sliema. Store designs are well advanced and we are now eager to commence works on site, with the fit-out process of the store which will be unique in Malta,” said Simon Gatt Baldacchino, managing director of United Department Stores Ltd.

Application forms are being accepted until 31 July on: [email protected] or at: The H.R. Manager, United Group Ltd, United House 66, Gzira Road, Gzira GZR 1638.

A subsequent recruitment drive will target experienced persons seeking to form part of Debenhams’ sales team. More information can be obtained at www.debenhams.com.mt.