SCORES of jobs are to be created as three new stores open at a Southampton shopping centre.

Home fragrance specialists Yankee Candle and Australian stationary retailer Smiggle are set to open retail stores in Westquay.

They are to be joined by luxury jeweller Laing, recently rebranded from Parkhouse Jewellers,which will also be moving into the mall in September following the installation of its £1million showroom on the lower ground floor.

The new 2,820 sq foot shop will house fine diamond jewellery and luxury watch brands Rolex and Patek Philippe.

And high-profile jewellery chain Pandora is also to upsize its current store on the ground floor of the centre. The upsizing of the Pandora store alludes to the brand’s global popularity. Its reputation is particularly clear during the festive season, when customer queues have often built up outside of the shop, meaning the upgrade will benefit the customer experience.

These additions will results in the creation of dozens of new jobs, which is something Mark Baulch, head of policy and representation at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, says is a great thing for the city.

“As a chamber, we will always support the news that businesses are setting up shop in the city and creating jobs,” he said.

“Southampton is a key area that needs more jobs and we are very happy that these are being created.

“It is also great that we are attracting new businesses, especially ones that are all different, to the city. It will get people that may not normally travel to it to come to Southampton.”

Mr Baulch added: “The news does prove that the investment in the town centre is providing an attractive place to bring a business.

“However, I would still like to see an investment to the city’s infrastructure.

“Let’s make sure that we have the infrastructure to get people in and out of the city, stress free.”

The new shops that are heading to the city include Laing, which began life as firm of clockmakers in Scotland in the 1840s .

The jeweller has always been synonymous with superior craftsmanship, and has been on Southampton’s High Street in one form or another for more than 200 years.

Now its move to Westquay marks an exciting opportunity for the company.

Speaking in May, Karla Ducker, general manager at Parkhouse Hampshire, said: “The new state of the art £1m store at Westquay will form part of a new luxury retail corner for shoppers in the city centre. As a family business born in Southampton, we are proud to be one of the founding retailers of this new offering, as we continue to build upon our rich history within the local community. “

Andy Collyer, Westquay General Manager, said: “We’re ecstatic to welcome three new stores to Westquay and delighted that Pandora have up scaled.

“We are always looking to secure industry leading brands to offer our customers the best retail experience and look forward to customers joining us here at Westquay”.

This news comes just days after Handmade Burger Company, in the foodhall at Westquay shopping centre, was saved after going bust

The restaurant was sold on by administrators, saving 30 jobs in the process.