WATCH: Customers flock to Matalan opening in Wolverhampton's Mander Centre

Hundreds of shoppers queued in Wolverhampton's Mander Centre this morning to be the first to step inside the new Matalan store.

Some customers waited for almost two hours for the ribbon cutting at the shop, which replaced New Look's old outlet on the upper mall near HMV and The Entertainer.

Margot McClane, 52, and Anna O'Mara, 49, were the first two customers in the queue and cut the ribbon before being the first to grab two of the 150 gold envelopes with discount vouchers inside.

The pair had been waiting outside the shutters since 8.10am for the 10am opening.

Margot, from Wolverhampton, said: "I love a shop opening, it's good to see it in Wolverhampton too.

Shoppers Anna O'Mara and Margot McClane who were first in the queue cut the ribbon with store manager Rob Bannister and area manager Andy Boom

"We're on the look-out for sunglasses and a few holiday bits today.

"I like the homeware section too – it's a very exciting time for Wolverhampton."

Shoppers queue for the opening of the store

Anna, from Birmingham, added: "It seems to be one shop in and one shop out at the moment, it's good to get out and support them – Wolverhampton needs it, especially with the news about Debenhams closing.

"We shop in Debenhams now and again too.

The opening of the new Matalan store at the Mander Centre, Wolverhampton. Bloggers Becky Taylor, Emma Iannarilli and Jennie Jordan view the store

Matalan's store, their first in Wolverhampton city centre, covers 23,000 sq ft.

It was also announced in March that B&M and Wilko will occupy the top and bottom floors of the old BHS department store respectively later this year.

Staff Sophie Trueman, Sophie James, Amy Elwell and Amy Rushton wait for the customers

The news comes after it was announced Debenhams would be closing its Mander Centre store, which employed 150 staff when it opened in October 2017.

Bloggers Becky Taylor, 28, Emma Lannarilli, 44, and Jennie Jordan, 34, were on the look-out for their latest fashion finds.

The opening of the new Matalan store at the Mander Centre, Wolverhampton. Anna O'Mara from Birmingham and Margot McClane from Wolverhampton, who were first in the queue

Becky, who is also a project coordinator from Codsall, said: "It's busy, it's really nice to see.

"I moved house about a year ago so I'll be looking at the homeware too."

Emma, from Essington, added: "There are some really nice bright summer things here.

"I'm looking for accessories and summer clothes."

Jennie, from Halesowen, said: "This centre really needs something new, especially with the news about Debenhams."

Alix Jenks, store manager, said: "We're so excited to bring Matalan to the heart of the city, offering amazing fashion inspiration for all the family at incredible value."

Shoppers waiting for the shutters to rise