A NEW Danish furniture company which operates in more than 30 countries is opening a new store in Bolton, creating 12 jobs.

JYSK has handpicked the town because of its large number of households and a growing student population.

The company is already well established as one of the world’s biggest retail furniture groups, with more than 1,700 stores in 34 countries.

But the Bolton store will be just its fifth outlet in Britain.

The Bolton store is situated between Carpetright and Hobbycraft on the Bolton Gate retail park and will be the largest in the country with the most comprehensive stock. The store will open its doors on November 20 and will tempt shoppers with a free Danish breakfast on the first day.

The 30-year-old 2.15 billion Euros company launched in the UK market in April 2008 with four stores and this fifth store is the first of the second phase of openings. JYSK has set its sights on opening up to 500 stores in Britain over the next 20 years.

Steve Stenhouse, country manager for JYSK UK, said: “Bolton was of particular interest given its 111,000 households and fastgrowing university community.

“The stores have always had a following with students, those in first-time accommodation and canny shoppers looking to snap up a good quality bargain - perfect for Bolton.

“We sell a range of beds, mattresses, duvets, towels, textiles, sofas, dining table sets, housewares and garden furniture all at value for money prices thanks to clever and ethical global purchasing power. We expect the store to be extremely popular here.”

The entry of JYSK into the UK will create more than 200 new jobs within the next two years with more planned as JYSK expands across the UK.