Achi news desk-
Primark confirmed that 700 customers were queuing for the opening this morning (May 22) as rain lashed the North East.
Customers waited for the doors until around 10am when staff allowed those who were waiting patiently into the building.
One customer, Michael Linthorpe, 60, from Middlesbrough, said he believed the store would do a lot for the area, but added he believed it would have a detrimental effect on Middlesbrough town centre.
He said: “He’s going to do a lot, I think he’s going to do really well.
“I think it’s going to eat the town, because there’s nothing in Middlesbrough town centre. This is in the right place.
“You get a free car park which you don’t get in the town centre.
He said he believed the new store was a boost to 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 we couldn’t be happier.
“This store has been a labor of love for me and the fantastic team I have by my side and it’s 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 sales director Conor Walsh said: “Tees Waterfront Park is a great addition to our store estate as we look to bring more of what they love to our Primark customers in the North East.
“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, center director at Teesside Park, said: “We’re really excited that our long-awaited Primark store is finally open – we know it’s going to be one of our most popular brands.
“The opening day is really spectacular – it’s great to see all 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!”
