A NEW store in Oxford spells the second major city centre jobs boost in a month.

Just four weeks after Bhs opened its new store in Queen Street, Gap is opening a new store with 170 new jobs.

Gap will open its 100th UK shop, in Cornmarket, on Friday. The chain's existing shop at 44 Queen Street will also remain open.

In addition to children's goods, the 100,000 sq ft store will carry Gap fashions and personal care items for men and women.

Celebrations to mark the opening of the new shop will be held on Saturday.

There will be a free gift with any purchase made in GapKids or babyGap, face painting, and special Christmas themed catering for children from 11am-4pm.

Gap started in 1969 with just one store in San Francisco and now has more than 1,400 stores worldwide.

The 35,000 sq ft Bhs store, which opened last month offering women's and men's fashions, childrenswear, home accessories, bedding and lighting, created 140 jobs.

Banbury has also received its share of good news on the retail front. The high street linen retailer, Ponden Mill, has opened its 50th UK store in High Street, with five new jobs.

Chairman Barry Brookfield started the business on a Yorkshire market stall in 1968. Now the company employs 541 people and has a £26m annual turnover.

Managing director John Taylor said: "We believe that Ponden Mill will bring a new look to the Banbury High Street and it's excellent news that this store should represent such a milestone in our development."

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