Crowds queued from around 4am this morning to get the first look of a brand new home and leisure superstore in Bury St Edmunds.
The Range, which is based in Western Way, near Asda, opened at 9am and mayor of St Edmundsbury Terry Clements cut the ribbon to let around 100 eager shoppers through the doors.
The new store, which has created 55 jobs with plans to rise to 70, will provide a variety of products across 17 departments, including DIY, homewares, arts and crafts and textiles.
Spread over two floors, the store includes a family cafe and a large outdoor garden centre.
The first customer through the doors received a Lindt chocolate hamper and the first 50 people in the store were also treated to a prize.
The Bury St Edmunds store is the 150th for the company, which will celebrate 30 years of trading next year.
Aston Flint, store manager, said: “It’s a very exciting day for everyone. It’s great that the community has come out to see us open.
“I think the first person in the queue was here about 4am so there is obviously a lot of excitement in the community.
“The weather has made things a little bit difficult, particularly with the garden centre but we’ve managed to get everything ready for the big day.”
Nigel Oddy, chief executive officer of The Range, said: “We’re delighted to be in Bury St Edmunds.
“It’s our 150th store and we’re really excited to be in the town. The weather was kind and the crowds have come out this morning to see the store.”
Significant building work has taken place at the Haldo House site and teams worked around the clock to make sure the store was ready for the grand opening.
Terry Clements, mayor of St Edmundsbury, addressed staff and guests prior to the grand opening.
He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s great for the town and has already created 55 jobs and that will go up to 70.”
Chris Dawson, the owner and founder of The Range, said: “Each store plays an important part in the success of our company and Bury St Edmunds is no exception, particularly as it is our 150th store.
“We are very lucky with the staff we have and I look forward to welcoming the new team members to the company.”
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