Crowds flock to The Range’s opening ceremony in Dorchester

THE RANGE was all the rage as crowds flocked to the opening of the new home, leisure and garden store in Dorchester.

More than 50 people were waiting outside when the ribbon was cut to officially open the new store at the site of the former Focus DIY store in Great Western Road.

Founder and owner of The Range Chris Dawson, who used to work at Dorchester market, was joined at the opening event by local businessman and old friend Peter Tizzard as well as mayor of Dorchester Tess James.

Mr Dawson said he was delighted at the turnout of people for the opening and was confident the county town store – one of more than 60 nationwide – would be a success.

He said: “It’s amazing, people are pouring in and when was the last time you saw that in Dorchester?

“We are very pleased and you have just got to look at how pretty the store is.

“It’s got a great future.”

Mr Dawson said the store has employed around 120 staff in a mixture of full and part time positions after receiving around 1,000 applications for jobs.

Among those to successfully apply was Roz Donaldson, who lives in Weymouth and got a job in customer services.

She said: “It’s really difficult to get a permanent job and this is really good for the area.

“This store is what the area needs.”

After helping to cut the ribbon Councillor James said: “I’ve met some of the staff and they are all raring to go and I’m delighted that it’s bringing employment to Dorchester.

“Judging by the number of people that are flooding through the doors it’s going to be popular.”

Mr Tizzard added: “I think it’s wonderful, it’s work for the local people and we need all the jobs we can get.

“People need to get behind this business.”

Godfrey Clarke was among the first shoppers queuing up to get into the store. He lives in Bere Regis and used to have to travel to Bournemouth to visit The Range shop.

He added: “We got up with the lark to be here this morning and it’s really very good.”

Source : Harry Hogger – Dorset Echo
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9582057.Crowds_flock_to_store___s_opening_ceremony_in_Dorchester/