HORDES of eager shoppers crowded into Marks & Spencer yesterday as the shop made an emphatic return to Braintree.
Store manager Rodney Rajack and 62 new M&S employees officially opened the 9,000 sq ft store in the Braintree Retail Park for business in Charter Way.
Shoppers were then invited inside to find 4,500 food and drink products and a 50-seat café.
Great
Speaking before the opening Mr Rajack said: "M&S Simply Food is a great addition to the retail park and I can't wait to invite our customers to come and experience our renowned quality food range."
The store will be open between 8am and 9pm Monday to Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays, including free parking at the retail park.
The launch marked the end of the shop's five year absence from the town after its unit in George Yard closed in March 2009 at the height of the recession.
Cllr Lady Patricia Newton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Property at Braintree District Council said: "Marks & Spencer Simply Food returning to the district is a real vote of confidence for Braintree and it is good to see such an established and high quality retailer coming into the area.
"Whilst we are in the process of working with our development partner on the town centre regeneration scheme, it is important to remember that the ongoing success of Freeport and our trading estates around the district is vital in supporting the local economy and meeting our aims for job creation."
