Surfs up in Swansea with the news that up to ten new jobs will be created with the opening of outdoor and leisurewear store Saltrock in the city’s Quadrant Shopping Centre.
It is the rapidly-growing Devon company’s 24th shop and only their second in Wales but the business, started in 1988 by South African surfing brothers Angus and Ross Thomson, see it as a natural fit and so does the Quadrant.
Saltrock, which began selling T-shirts with surfing motifs, is now a major leisurewear operation based near Croyde in North Devon with a network of shops mainly in the South West of England but with an outlet store in Bridgend and their clothing, for men, women and children, is also on sale in outlets across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
The new shop is due to open on Saturday, January 31, in St Mary’s Arcade, and will bring the number of units occupied at the Centre to 35 out of 37.
Saltrock Head of Retail Sean Burch said: “We’re really excited about bringing Saltrock to Swansea. Saltrock is all about creating stylish clothing and accessories for families at a great price and Swansea’s lively, outdoor lifestyle and golden beaches make it the perfect match for us.
“Our Bridgend customers are fantastic and Swansea has been on our radar for some time and although we’re well known for our surfing heritage which remains strong throughout the brand, today we’re about the wider outdoor lifestyle and look forward to introducing the people of Swansea to a slightly different side of Saltrock and we’re thrilled to become part of such a vibrant city by the sea.”
The company was originally founded by the Thomson brothers as a means of financing their surfing hobby but has grown into a major business though both are still heavily involved as directors.
It was named after the town of Salt Rock in South Africa, the brothers’ favourite surfing spot in their home country and after first being based in Penzance, in Cornwall, moved to Croyde in Devon in 1992.
Ian Kirkpatrick, Manager of the Quadrant Shopping Centre, said: “We’re delighted to announce the imminent opening of the Saltrock store which we see as an ideal addition to the retail offer here.
“Swansea is very much Wales’s surfing capital and one of the finest and most popular surfing areas in the UK and the city has a real beachside culture which is perfect for Saltrock.
“This is a major city and a major retail centre but within just a few minutes’ walk you can be on the beach with the sand between your toes and with a spectacular coast and countryside on your doorstep.
“The opening also means that after a successful Christmas season the Quadrant is once again very close to being full and there is strong interest in our remaining available units.”
