THESE are exciting times in retailing throughout the region, not only in Birmingham, where so much retail development is taking places, but other areas where new and old shopping areas offer so much choice. Much is being said about the Bullring, that famous part of Birmingham which is being transformed into what should provide a shoppers paradise when it opens on September 3. With a stunning new Selfridges store as, perhaps, its centrepiece, besides numerous other big names such as Debenhams, Bullring will be the envy of cities up and down the country. Certainly, it will be well worth the inconvenience most of us have suffered as we travelled from one side of the city centre to another, wending our way through diversions, or having endless waits at temporary traffic lights. Disruption is a necessary means to a successful conclusion and Bullring will not only bring a great deal of pleasure to millions of shoppers a year, but career opportunities to around 8,000 people filling numerous retail jobs, from shop assistants to administration staff and managers. Bullring adds to the facilities and employment pool provided by the Pallasades, Pavilions and many other shopping areas already making Birmingham vibrant. But it is not only Birmingham that boasts fine shopping and the jobs that go with it. Solihulls classy Touch-wood shopping centre has added its own variety, including a splendid John Lewis store, while other towns and cities in the region, such as Coventry and Walsall, have been the subject of recent retail development. There are also the out of town shopping areas, such as the Fort at Erdington and Merry Hill in the Black Country, which attract millions of customers every year and bring with them numerous full and part-time jobs. And let us not forget the speciality shops to be found in the quieter, more historic towns such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester and Lichfield. Retail is one sector where change is ongoing, development occurs. And, with it, there is the opportunity for people to enjoy the sort of employment that suits them. Some, perhaps housewives and mothers, may only want part-time work to fit in with home and family commitments. Youngsters, especially students, just want something to provide them with pin money while they are studying. But for others full-time career progression can lead to some excellent positions in management. Retailing can provide the sort of job that suits you in terms of hours, type of business and, of course, dealing with people. And few regions currently offer more opportunities than the West Midlands. | 
