EXCITED shoppers finally set foot in York’s newest Primark store when it opened its doors for the first time on Thursday.

An expectant pack of bargain-hunters queued up outside the Coppergate Centre shop in pouring rain as they waited for a first look at the three-floor, 35,200 square foot building, which also opens on to Piccadilly.

Inside they were greeted by balloon-waving members of staff who formed a guard of honour for their first customers and applauded them into the shop.

The former Marks and Spencer site was extended over the summer and the high street retailer now employs 213 retail assistants, 57 of whom have returned to work after a period of unemployment, and 11 managers.

Clive Armitage, regional controller, said: “We’ve got great fashion and our very latest store fit, showcasing our latest fashions in every single deparment - men, women and kids.

York Press:

“There’s been a good investment in a great store here and we are really excited to be in York city centre.

“We have our store already in Monks Cross and have been really enjoying some great business since May and we wanted to finish our presence in York off and our shop here in Coppergate is really exciting.”

Shoppers inside the store within the first 30 minutes of it opening gave it the thumbs-up.

York Press:

Kirsty Limbert, 26, from The Groves, said: “It’s a great store and I came to buy things for a Christmas party.

“There seems to be a lot more choice than the one in Monks Cross, which I’ve been in quite a lot when I need things for my little girl.”

Gemma Powell, 26, from Fulford, was also inside the shop on the first morning.

She said: “I have a daughter and it’s great because there’s a big enough kids’ section.

“The organisation of the shop is great and it’s presented really well.

“Some Primark’s are a bit all over the place but you can find what you’re looking for in here really easily.”

Richard King, 32, was visiting York from Edinburgh.

“It’s much bigger than I thought,” he added.

“There’s a lot of people around and it seems to be doing really well.

“It’s always good for a bargain, but as time has gone on it’s got more expensive and it’s not just the bargains, it has a good mix of expensive and cheap.

“The sections are great and they have a lot to offer.”

Simon Gibbs, director of Sales, UK, Primark, said: “We are delighted to open a new store in York Coppergate.

“This is an important opening for Primark and we look forward to expanding our footprint and bringing the Primark brand to more customers.”