QUEUES snaked around Southend’s new Primark store as it opened its doors to shoppers for the first time on Wednesday.

The high Street store – which went down a storm with the excited crowds – has replaced the former BHS.

Long queues, which were all socially distanced, formed right the way around the store and along Whitegate Road by the bus station from 9am, ready for its grand opening at 10am.

Shoppers were impressed by the organisation of the staff and the following of social distancing guidelines as customers lined up to get a first glimpse of the new range.

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There was even a DJ on hand spinning some tunes to add the buzz of the flashy new store.

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Shoppers Sylvia Hallett and Lorraine McCleave from Southend thoroughly enjoyed their time in the store.

Lorraine, said: “The store is lovely. I was in the queue from 10am but I got in there quickly.

“I had just said to my friend ‘I’m not waiting in that queue’ but it moved really fast.

“I spent quite a while in there, I loved it.

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“I’d be here every day if I could! I’ve got five girls and grandchildren.

“I’m very pleased with the new range they have there.”

Sylvia added: “I thought it was brilliant. It’s massive. They’ve even got a sofa to sit down and a bit to charge your phone.

“The only thing I didn’t like was that they don’t have an ordinary staircase as I’m claustrophobic and don’t like lifts or escalators.

“But other than that, top marks, brilliant, and loads of space. It was very well planned out.”

Security staff were on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly, with friendly Primark staff greeting each customer as it was their turn to go in, along with a dash of hand sanitiser.

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Mother and daughter, Michelle, 54, and Giselle Skiggs, 28, from Shoebury, were also impressed.

Giselle said: “I didn’t think I would spend as much money as I did!

“My eldest boys are Minecraft mad, so now they have lots of Minecraft stuff in this shop it’s great because I don’t have to go looking for it in George or anything.

“The staff guide you through and tell you where to go to pay and you stand in your spot two-metres apart and go round.

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Michelle added: “We waited just under an hour to go in but it was worth the wait.

“The prices are good too. I thought they would have gone up a bit more but they don’t seem to have which is good.”