A new M&S Simply Food store has opened in Sixfields Retail Park in Northampton.
A queue of shoppers formed outside the new store before it opened its doors for the first time at 10am today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
The 15,000 sq ft store, which employs 60 people and includes a 52-seat café, will be open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
Ian Pulis, store manager, said: “After working hard to prepare the store for its opening this morning, we were thrilled to open our doors at Sixfields as the first Simply Food store in Northampton.
“The new store is a great addition to the retail park, and there were plenty of shoppers at the opening, all eager to see all what we have to offer. We’re looking forward to getting to know them over the comings weeks and months.”
The first customers were given a glass of bubbly or orange juice and were treated to a day of entertainment, including an in-store DJ and a shopper competition.
A total of 38 customers won a share of £1,000 of M&S Gift Cards to spend in-store through a special opening day competition.
Jane Hartwell, of Northampton, was one of the first shoppers into the new Simply Food. She said: “I am very impressed with the new Simply Food. To me it’s very convenient, especially with the free parking. The new store makes the area very appealing and I am sure it is going to be very popular.”