Hundreds of people surged into Basildon's new Asda Wal-Mart superstore in its first minutes of opening today.
Flooding in - crowds queued up for the opening of the new Asda Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
The 82,000 sq ft supermarket in the Eastgate shopping mall opened for business sharp at 10am.
Shoppers queued for two hours before the opening of the store. Paula Wills, from Basildon, who was among the first in line, said: "We've waited a long time for this and wanted to be here when it happened."
Almost 600 staff were on hand to greet the store's visitors.
The ribbon was cut by Ann Simpson, who worked for Sainsbury, the original occupant of the site, continuously for 29 years and is the store's longest serving staff member.
Laurence Baguena, general manager of the store, said: "We've worked long and hard for this, and now the store is here I have to say that it looks absolutely beautiful."
Published Thursday July 8, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article