Review of the new Range store at Maiden's Walk, Hexham

The Range, a leading UK home, leisure and garden retailer, opened its doors to customers at the former Marks and Spencer store on Maiden's Walk, Hexham.

The entrance foyer in The Range (Image: Natalie Finnigan) I visited The Range, which opened on October 11, to see what was in store for myself and many others.

Autumnal decor (Image: Natalie Finnigan) The first impression I got as I walked into the entrance foyer was that it was well-presented and tidy - a few Halloween and Christmas decorations adding some colour, but not enough for a sensory overload. 

Moving further into the store, the wide aisles were well laid out.

The Christmas moose (Image: Natalie Finnigan) Shelves were well presented in autumnal colours of orange pumpkin candles, baking sets and utensils.

There were plenty of cute home ornaments - such as an autumnal mouse in an encased light, or a moose ornament wearing a Christmas jumper, complete with hat and scarf.

The autumnal mouse in an encased light (Image: Natalie Finnigan)

The quality of The Range's products were, I must admit, better than I had anticipated, for the affordable price point on all items.

For example, several large Santa decorations, such as a full-sized singing and dancing version, was priced at an opening offer of £90.99.

Singing and dancing Santa decoration (Image: Natalie Finnigan) The Christmas tree ornaments were one of my personal favourites - every colour or kind, from pink baubles to blue sparkly hummingbirds and tinsel, were on display and made me wonder which ones I could buy to fit our colour scheme at home.

Christmas tree decorations (Image: Natalie Finnigan) An aisle filled with lights and Christmas music was fun to walk down - find everything from cute pink acrylic pigs or twinkling musical displays. I had to go back a second time just to make sure I hadn't missed anything.

The lights aisle (Image: Natalie Finnigan) Scandinavian fir trees are a bargain here if you're looking for a new centrepiece. A 7ft Norway Spruce is £39.99 or find another size to fit your home.

Pink acrylic pigs (Image: Natalie Finnigan) There are Christmas wrapping items from gift tags to bows and ribbons in various colours, while crackers range from a deluxe red and gold damask option to the fun Crimbo Bingo variety.

Overall, my visit to The Range was a pleasant one - the staff were polite and friendly, the store was well organised and the colourful, varied decorations in the run-up to Christmas really did bring out my festive spirit.