I WELCOME the continued march and success of the 99p stores in Brighton and Hove, especially now that they are expected to move into the former Woolworths store in Blatchington Road, Hove, (The Argus, November 27).

This would follow their move into the former Woolworths in London Road, Brighton, which has proved to be very successful for them.

This chain of stores is popular with shoppers especially in these tight economic times.

There is also a 99p store in busy North Street in Brighton.

I am delighted that the proposed move into the new site in Hove has on the whole been welcomed by shopkeepers who say it will increase competition. I think it will attract extra shoppers to the area, benefiting existing businesses. It is far better I think to see shops open rather than being left empty and decaying, which soon happens.

I think the company is very wise to buy up former Woolworths stores as most regular shoppers know where their much loved Woolies once was.

Steve Fuller, Rowan Avenue, Hove