First Frasers customers praise department store as 'better than Beatties'

A new multi-million-pound department store got a firm thumbs up from its first customers as non-essential shops reopened for the first time this year.

The first shoppers through the door of the new Frasers department store in Wolverhampton said they were very impressed.

Paying the ultimate compliment, Jeanette Hickman of Northwood Park, said: "I think it's better than Beatties.

"I think it's a lot brighter, and it's in a better location."

The 45-year-old had bought make up on the opening day, but said she planned to return to buy a luxury handbag.

"They have got some high-quality designer bags, I spend a lot of money on handbags," she said.

The store, at the former Debenhams unit in the centre, replaces the old Beatties store which had been in Victoria Street for 144 years.

It is the first of a new concept of stores which bring all of retail magnate Mike Ashley's brands together under one roof.

Sue Rostance, out shopping with her sister-in-law Val Rostance, also praised the range of handbags on offer.

She too said the new shop was better than Beatties.

"I thought Beatties went a bit downmarket when it was taken over by House of Fraser, but this is much better, especially when the cafe opens," said Sue, 72.

Val, 66, from Compton, said she was particularly impressed by the shoe department.

"The designer stuff is lovely," she said. "It's nice having something a bit different," she said.

Emma Overton and James Anslow, from Pendeford also said they were very impressed with what they saw and hoped to return.

Emma, 36, said: "I love it, I think it will do better than Beatties, it's more in the city centre, whereas Beatties was a bit out of the way. We have noticed a few things we will be coming back for."

James, 38, added: "The clothes are really good. It's a lot better than Debenhams was."

Amanda Plant, out shopping with her friend Steph Bentley, said: "It's beautiful, the homewares department is just gorgeous.

"I hope it does well, I will be coming back."

Another man, who asked not to be named, said the new shop was a welcome addition.

"It's a good thing, it's good to see somebody bringing something back into Wolverhampton."