Primark has opened its brand new store in Tunbridge Wells with hundreds of enthusiastic shoppers queuing to be the first through the door at 10am.
By midday on Friday, there were still huge queues inside the store at the tills to buy goods.
One shopper described the scenes at the opening as "a bit of a bun fight."
The mayor of Tunbridge Wells was there for the cutting of the opening ribbon.
Council cabinet member for economic development, Justine Rutland, said: "Great to see so many people in the town centre today to welcome Primark! Around 500 queueing before the official opening."
Cllr Rutland continued: "The town is very much open for business and ready to extend a big warm welcome to everyone for festive shopping and entertainment."
West Kent Radio's volunteer reporters Alan Bullion and Liz Barnes (pictured below) talked to Primark staff at the opening.
Listen to a 4 minute report on the opening by Liz Barnes:
Listen to a 12 minute recording of more from the opening day, with staff and shoppers:
Primark is opening on the site of the former BHS in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.
BHS shut in August 2016 and the arrival of Primark will come as a major boost to efforts to revive the flagging shopping complex.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council took full control of the RVP shopping centre in 2023 and has been working with development manager RivingtonHark to bring new brands into the town.
Council cabinet member for economic development, Justine Rutland, said earlier this year that the arrival of Primark would "create jobs and lead to a significant increase in footfall, bringing economic benefits to the town and the wider borough."
Cllr Rutland continued: "Where Primark goes, other retailers follow, so this is a great reason to be cheerful for the future of the town centre."
Jobs at Primark include retail assistants, stockroom workers and visual merchandisers.
The 31,000 sq ft store spans two floors, offering customers Primark’s fashion, kidswear, beauty, lifestyle and home ranges.
Primark's new store manager in Tunbridge Wells Kyle Brace said: “It’s a real privilege to be opening our new store in Royal Tunbridge Wells. We’re building a fantastic team of over 100 colleagues from the local area, and every role is a great opportunity to start or grow a career with Primark."
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