Debenhams in Wolverhampton: Take a first look inside the new department store opening in the Mander Centre - PICTURES
It's been a year in waiting - but finally, this week, Debenhams will open its new store in Wolverhampton's Mander Centre.
And these pictures provide the first look inside the 93,000 sq ft store, which is creating 150 new jobs.
There will also be 37 temporary staff to cover the Christmas period, which starts in mid-November.
Gone is TJ Hughes and Tesco, in is a revamped three-floor department store with new escalators, cafe and restaurant.
It is the second flagship store under Debenham's chief executive Sergio Bucher's, who wants to create a new shopping experience.
No longer are departments sorted by types of clothing, instead they are laid out by entire outfits - for designer clothes, occasions and outdoor.
The store also features larger changing rooms with three mirror-side lighting options - work, outdoors and dinner.
And instead of the standard Debenhams restaurant seen in Birmingham and Walsall, the store boasts the deli Loaf and Bloom restaurant.
A 90-seat Costa Coffee will also open inside.
The new concept of store has only been used by Debenhams in its newly opened Stevenage shop.
Manager Alison Young said: "We want to create an environment where customers want to linger longer in the store, a place where people can have fun when they shop.
"People can come in the store for one item or for a browse, and while they are here they can enjoy a coffee or use our Mediterranean deli."
Community leaders are hoping the store will become the anchor for the Mander Centre, bringing in more businesses.
It is the central piece of a £35million revamp of the shopping centre.
The company took over the former TJ Hughes and Tesco outlets in January, clearing every floor of walls and fitting.
Following the building of the layout, last month the company started bringing in stock.
Now staff are providing the finishing touches to displays on the three floors, which feature women's clothing on the bottom floor, women's and men's on second floor and homeware and children's clothes on the top floor.
The Costa Coffee is on the second floor, while the deli is on the top floor.
It also features underground and roof level car parks and three separate entrances.
Ms Young said: "Wolverhampton has been excited for a long time.
"As a market place the retail offer could do with something which will regenerate the city, do something with the area to make it a shopping destination.
"When we have been talking to the city, it could be easy for retailers to be weary, but instead they have been on our side, people hope we will bring new footfall."
Emma Richards, from Bilbrook, and Tiffany Walters, from Wolverhampton, both work in the Loaf and Bloom deli.
Ms Richards said: "I'm very excited for the opening. Everyone I speak to about it says its great for the city."
The 37 Christmas roles will last until the beginning of January, covering key Black Friday, festive shopping and Boxing Day sales.
Farouk Mangera, head of human resources for UK stores at Debenhams, said: “Christmas is our busiest time of year. We begin planning months before the festivities start to make sure we deliver the high level of service that consumers expect from Debenhams."
The store will be open on weekdays from 9am to 5.30pm, on Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 6pm.
