A new Dunelm store in Basildon is a breath of fresh air for a busy retail park - says shoppers.

Delighted shoppers queued outside south Essex’s newest Dunelm ahead of its grand opening.

Bosses held a ribbon-cutting ceremony before welcoming customers through the doors of the new store at the Mayflower Retail Park in Basildon yesterday.

Impressed customers said they were keen to return to Dunelm’s new store in Basildon after visiting yesterday.

Tracy Knight, 45 and from the town, said: “It’s really nice and I think I will be coming back soon.

Echo:

I shop with Dunelm online but have never visited one of the stores before.”

Friend, Emma Taylor, 43, added: “I have not been to a Dunelm store before but I loved it.

“I especially liked the kitchen items on sale.”

Jodie Foster, 40 and from Brentwood, was shopping for new items to put in her house.

She said: “It’s not too far and I like Dunelm. I have family who work nearby and that’s how I found out about the new store.

“I had two trolleys full of items and I think I will be coming back again soon.”

Susan Foster, 65, also from Brentwood was with Jodie and said she was equally impressed with the new store. A balloon arch greeted shoppers and an ice cream van and cakes were on offer to help add to the festival atmosphere.

The shop has created 30 new jobs so far but bosses hope to hire more staff in the coming weeks.

Speaking about the grand opening, store manager Emma Truss, 44, said: “It was absolutely amazing.

“The store was busy and the opening went as good as expected and possibly even better.

“We gave away lots of prizes including gift cards and also goodie bags and this was all arranged through our community Facebook page.

“The reaction has been really good and people say it’s brought a breath of fresh air to the retail park.”

Dunelm had announced plans to open a store at the Royal’s Shopping Centre in Southend but the proposals were put on hold after the site was put up for sale.

The chain has three other shops in Essex, including one in Grays