Photos show queues outside of new Range store in Weymouth town centre

The Range opened its doors at 9am on Friday within the former Debenhams building on New Bond Street.

More than 80 jobs have been created at the new store, which local business leaders said will provide a major boost for the town's economy.

Staff members were 'working round the clock to get everything ready' ahead of the opening. The Range's signage has been installed around the store with posters advertising its deals inside.

The new store is spread over two floors and will cover more than 45,000 sq ft of space. Its Costa branch, which also closed when Debenhams shut, has reopened for takeaway only following a refurbishment.

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Under 50 people queued outside the new Range in Weymouth town centre on Friday morning.

Shoppers waited patiently and followed social distancing guidelines outside the new store before the doors opened and a staff member welcomed them all in one by one. Hand sanitiser was near the entrance for people to wash their hands. 

The first shopper in the queue, Marie Sommer, was thrilled to see the new store and wished it every success.

She said: “This is huge for the town. I really hope it does well and shoppers like it.”

Speaking to customers as they left the store, many were impressed with the size and layout of the new Range.

One said: “I am amazed by how much is in there yet it doesn’t feel too claustrophobic or crammed with stuff.

Inside the new Range in Weymouth town centre

“Everything is well spaced out and things are easy to get to.”

Another customer said: “I was sad to see Debenhams go but I am glad it’s been replaced so quickly after it shut.

“It’s great to see something big like this in the town centre. A lot of people seemed happy inside.”

Customers will be able to buy homeware, furniture, toys, gardening items and pet care products, and more in the new store, as well as exclusive offers running in-store from until Sunday, May 16.

People walk into the Range in Weymouth town centre shortly after it opened

A spokesman for The Range said: "The new Range store has brought over 80 full and part-time jobs to the local area.

"This positive news during such testing times for the retail sector is sure to be welcomed by the local community in Weymouth and surrounding areas.

"In line with Government guidelines, the new store in Weymouth will open with safety measures in place to protect both staff and customers, including sanitising stations at the entrance, social distancing markers and card payment preferred."