Frozen Food retailer Iceland has bought 51 former Woolworth stores, including the Monmouth store in Agincourt Square, which closed at the end of December.
In a statement to the Beacon Nick Canning, Iceland's Marketing Director, said: "In response to widespread media speculation, I can confirm that following the successful acquisition of 51 Woolworth stores, Iceland will be creating in the region of 2,500 jobs across the country in the coming year. This is in addition to our existing new store opening programme.
"We are confident we can help to support the local community in these towns who have lost a major high street retailer in Woolworth's.
"We aim to develop our business in 2009 by continuing to offer our customers fantastic value everyday across our range of frozen, grocery and chilled products.
"We look forward to becoming part of your local community and helping to build a bright future for 2009."
The Iceland announcement is just one of a series involving the business heart of Monmouth.
The Beacon has been assured that Marks and Spencers, who announced massive job losses at its stores nationwide, have no intention of closing its store in Monmouth.
We have also been told that both Argos and Wilkinsons, well known names in the high street, are looking to secure premises in Monmouth.
However, there is still no news on the future of the Somerfield store, which forms part of the massive national group recently taken over by the Co-operative. For more on this story .. see The Monmouthshire Beacon issue dated January 14th.