Opening day for new TK Maxx store hailed as a success

Scores of visitors keen to take a look around the new TK Maxx, at Portsmouth’s Ocean Retail Park, turned up for its grand unveiling.

A ribbon was cut outside before people rushed inside.

In the spirit of goodwill, the store offered up free brollies and vouchers – even hiding a few across the shop floor for families to snap up.

Balloons were given out to children who had come along with their parents.

Tk Maxx shop assistant Stephanie Manning, 17, was one of many staff members who were brought on board as part of a new team of staff.

Training for the opening day began over a month ago so staff felt prepared for the challenges ahead.

Miss Manning said: ‘It has gone really well.

‘I’m glad it’s already so busy in here – looking ahead, that’s a really promising sign for us.’

The first customer to reach the checkout was Graham Parkes, 39.

A member of the Royal Navy, he was visiting on behalf of his wife.

He said: ‘I’ve bought myself a new watch. I was also very nicely given a bouquet of flowers – so my wife can have those!

‘I don’t usually go to shops on opening days or anything like that; I live in the area and my wife absolutely loves the store.

‘She couldn’t be here this morning, so I’m here instead.’

Known for its assortment of designer labels and brands sold at discounted prices, TK Maxx has more than 300 stores across the UK, including the Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth, West Street in Fareham and Hambledon Road in Waterlooville.

A TK Maxx spokesman said: ‘We had a great opening morning, with loads of excited customers coming in to see the new store. The rapidly-changing assortments of TK Maxx creates the treasure hunt shopping experience that our customers love, but it also means once it’s gone, it’s gone.

‘We hope that customers will stop by often to see our latest designer finds and unique gems.’