Shoppers wowed as new store opens

Olympic bronze medal winner Nicola White opens new BHS store in the Spindles Shopping Centre

A new retail haven was unveiled to hundreds of eager shoppers yesterday, as the long awaited BHS Oldham store opened its doors for the first time.

Crowds gathered to see Olympic bronze medalist Nicola White cut the glossy ribbon to mark the occasion, and dozens of new staff took to their places in the modern megastore, ready to start serving.

The unit boasts something for everyone. Women of all ages will enjoy the extensive clothing and accessories department, which sells not only BHS’ own range ‘W’ but Arcadia Group favourites ‘Dorothy Perkins’ and ‘Wallis’, while men won’t be short of things to choose from in their department upstairs.

Kids can be kitted out in the latest gear - teenage girls will be especially impressed with the ‘Tammy’ range on offer - and the home can be spruced up too thanks to a huge bedroom, bathroom and lighting section.

It’s the place to go for your Christmas gifts; with everything from classic board games and DVDs, to sewing machines and make up kits, there’s something for every member of the family.

And the cafe, offering hot and cold food and drinks, is perfect for taking a step back from what is bound to be a packed shop floor.

Nicola White, who won her bronze medal in this year’s Olympics with the Team GB Hockey Team, was overwhelmed by the store.

She said: “The store looks absolutely brilliant, it’s so modern and clean cut.

“I’m excited to get in and start shopping. The last time I was in this unit it was JJB and I was buying my sports gear, so this is very different and it’s a huge change for the Spindles.

“I think it will appeal to everyone and bring lots of people into town, and hopefully new businesses too.”