Hundreds of customers braved the bad weather and flocked to Teesside Park for the opening of Primark’s new store.
Primark confirmed 700 customers queued for the opening this morning (May 22) as rain hit the North East.
Customers waited in anticipation for the doors until around 10am when staff allowed those patiently waiting into the building.
One customer, Michael Linthorpe, 60, from Middlesbrough, said he believes the store will do a lot for the area, but added he believes it will have an adverse effect on Middlesbrough town centre.
He said: “It’s going to do a lot, I think it’s really going to do well.
“I think it’s going to eat the town, because there’s nothing in Middlesbrough town centre. This is in the right spot.
“You get free car parking which you don’t get in the town centre.
He said he believes the new store is a boon for Teesside Park and the surrounding area.
Store manager Eddie Burns, welcomed customers to the new branch for its opening.
He said: “Hello Teesside! We have finally landed in Teesside Park and I could not be happier.
“This store has been a labour of love for both myself and the brilliant team I have beside me and it is so exciting to see it all come together.
“The response from the local community has been so positive and we can’t wait for our customers to visit and see what we have in store for them.
Primark director of sales Conor Walsh said: “Teesside Park is a fantastic addition to our store estate as we look to bring our Primark customers in the North East more of what they love.
“This latest opening follows hot on the heels of the extension to our Gateshead Metrocentre store last week, and will complement our stores in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington.”
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Catherine Furlong, centre director at Teesside Park, said: “We are super excited that our highly anticipated Primark store is now finally open - we know it's going to be one of our most popular brands.
“The opening day really is spectacular - it’s great seeing all of the new Primark team, and the smiles on people’s faces when they see the store for the first time.
“We’re sure it will be a huge success!”
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