The Range opens in former M&S on Maiden's Walk, Hexham

The Range, a home, leisure and garden retailer, opened its newest store at the former Marks & Spencer store on Maiden's Walk, Hexham last week.

A ribbon ceremony marked the occasion and the first 50 shoppers in the queue received a goody bag filled with some of the brand's most-loved products.

Mayor Derek Kennedy cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony (Image: Amelia Dalton) The 22,000-square foot store, which opened on October 11, will offer affordable products from home essentials and soft furnishings to pet items and the highly anticipated 2024 Christmas collection - offering a one-stop-shop where the community can conveniently find everything they need under one roof.

Derek Kennedy, mayor of Hexham, said: "I was delighted to be invited by The Range to perform the official opening of their store. I was greeted by approximately 100 people waiting patiently in the queue.

"As I said in my speech, Hexham welcomes The Range, we are delighted that the former M&S store was only vacant for a short while. It was great to meet the staff and managers of the new store and how enthusiastic they are being in our town. We wish The Range all the luck in the world, they are a good addition to Hexham’s retail offer."

The queue of customers on the shop's first day (Image: Amelia Dalton) The Range offered a £150 prize for the first customers in the queue, which was claimed by Amelia Dalton and her boyfriend Jake Perrie, who got up at 5.30am to claim the prize.

Amelia Dalton and her boyfriend Jake Perrie were the first customers in the queue and claimed their prize (Image: Amelia Dalton) "It was one degree outside when we got there, but we brought camping chairs and hot drinks. At 9am, the doors opened and we won the prize - an air fryer and a faux fur throw, worth at least £150 together," Amelia said.

She added they will sell the products to fundraise money for their travelling expenses to Gunjur, Gambia, where they will support the Time for Change foundation. 

Amelia and Jake brought hot drinks and camping chairs (Image: Amelia Dalton) For more information and to donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-and-amelia-volunteering-in-gambia-2025. All funds will go directly to the village, for building, infrastructure, the village's school, textbooks and equipment. 

Meanwhile, another happy customer at the opening, John Cody Doherty, said he thought the new shop was 'amazing'.

"Myself and my fiancee Davonna Cowan thought it was amazing, so much space and choice. I’m happy as I can finally buy my foaming glass cleaner," he added.

"It’s great to see something like this in Hexham where people can shop and meet others. The store is very clean, tidy and well-laid out with nice wide aisles."

CEO of CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and Wilko, Alex Simpkin, said: “We’re excited to be opening a new store at Maiden’s Walk in Hexham and can’t wait to welcome shoppers through our doors. The team looks forward to welcoming everyone at our new location, and help customers get everything they need at affordable prices.”