A CONTINENTAL fashion retailer is bringing the latest boost to Dorchester’s retail sector.

Gerry Weber, a German based firm with over 800 stores worldwide, has taken up a unit at the town’s Brewery Square development.

The store is due to open next month and will create around two to three full time positions as well as a number of part-time roles. Christian Lawaczeck, who heads up Gerry Weber’s UK operations, said he was ‘excited’ to be bringing the company to Dorchester.

He said: “We are very excited to open the store and we think we will open the doors on September 26. We have been looking at the development for the last 12 months and I have travelled many times to Dorchester to look at it taking shape and we think it’s beautifully done.”

Mr Lawaczeck added: “Dorchester itself is a lovely place and there is definitely potential there for us.”

The retail scene at Brewery Square is rapidly developing with fashion store Phase Eight opening its doors last week to join Jones the Bootmakers on the site, while Hobbs is currently fitting out its store with a view to opening on Thursday, August 29.

Sales consultant at Phase Eight Laura Greenway said the new store had been busy over its opening weekend and the team was delighted to be up and running in Brewery Square.

She said: “The opening weekend went really well and it’s a great area.

“I think people are really interested and we are really happy to be here.”

Laura said that the store had employed seven people and it was good to see so many new jobs being created in the area.

The £100million town centre development has already seen a host of restaurants open as well as a cinema, hotel, coffee shop and bar, bringing dozens of jobs to the area.

Andrew Wadsworth, director of Waterhouse, which is developing the site in partnership with Resolution Property, has welcomed the latest arrival at the square.

He said: “Gerry Weber is a great addition to the retail line up.

“Even as the first shops open the square is already very busy.”

Mr Wadsworth added: “For a big brand continental brand to want to open in Dorchester is quite something.”

He said that the variety of shops and offerings now at Brewery Square was also causing something of a social media stir.