Stafford's Riverside Primark opens to huge fanfare
Dozens of eager shoppers piled into Stafford's new Primark store as it opened its doors.
It is arguably the most eagerly awaited addition to the Riverside development yet and those who were first inside the 'new-concept' store were impressed with what they saw.
Customer Ginny Alcock, aged 56, from Rugeley, said: "It is very busy, very bright and it is in a great location. I like Primark because it is very good value for money.
"This store seems very easy to get around. Riverside is looking good now. It has opened up Stafford a bit more and is bringing more into the town centre."
The shop has 155 staff and they were out in force for the grand launch offering a helping-hand to customers.
The fixtures and fittings have been in place for over a week and since last Wednesday, October 6, the workers have been stocking the shelves spread across the two floors and 38,500 square feet of retail space.
Among the shop's new features which make it stand out out from its other outlets is the emphasis on visual merchandising with nearly 200 mannequins and busts throughout the store, more than 30 'light boxes' creating a very vibrant and colourful scene while the floorspace is draped in shades of Primark's iconic blue branding.
There is also a new 'trend display' by the front entrance which does as it suggests by showing off the latest fashion lines.
Store manager Cherie McCord said: "There have been a lot of people here this morning.
"People love Primark because it is amazing fashion at amazing prices.
"Staff have been here since 7am making the final preparations but everything has been going on since last Wednesday.
"This is very much a 'new concept' store so it might look a bit different to some of our older ones in Wolverhampton or Telford.
"Everybody has been saying how spacious this shop is and how easy it is to navigate."
The £100million Riverside development is now well and truly up and running with just a few stores left to open.
Primark joins Costa Coffee, Outfit, River Island, H&M, New Look, Vision Express, M&S and JD Sports while visitors can park at the new 1,000 space car park and walk directly over a footbridge to the new complex.
