First look at brand new M&S Food store opened in Dorset

Residents waited eagerly for the 9am opening of the new Wimborne Minster store, with the town crier giving a speech about the much-anticipated new shop.  

Pupils from St John’s CE VC First School attended along with Percy Pig himself, the famous M&S mascot, who posed for photos and interacted with children.

The new store has an online click-and-collect service, fresh baked goods from its bakery, and self-checkouts.

Christopher Brown, the town mayor, seargent and town crier of Wimborne Minster, said: “I think it's a great addition to the town.

“It shows that there's some economic confidence returning, and it's given quite a lot of people a good job, too so I’m really very happy to see it here.

“I hope it will help promote the town and that Wimborne Minster will be able to sort of see other big shops coming in if possible.

“But we do like our independence as well, so hopefully the whole thing will have a good knock-on for all the shops as well.”

Caroline Slowey-Dickinson, the director for Sandpiper stores which manages Marks and Spencer, said: “I think it's been amazing. You know, lots of local people here and everyone's super excited, which is what we want.

“For Wimborne, it means something exciting, something new, and just a bit of an uplift for the locals.”

Speaking on nearby supermarkets and possible competition, she added: “I think we can all live together quite comfortably.

“We’re here to work alongside each other and offer Wimborne the best we can.”

Julie, 52 from Broadstone was overjoyed at the new store, she said: “I think it's lovely.

“Everyone seems really friendly, and the layout is beautiful.

“I think it's going to be a real asset for Wimborne. I think it's really good. Anything that we can do to help the high street is fantastic.”

The new supermarket is in Crown Mead shopping centre in Wimborne.

M&S Wimborne will be serving customers Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.