Eager shoppers formed an orderly queue in Inverness today as they awaited the grand opening of a popular fashion outlet.
H&M reopened its doors in the Eastgate Centre at 10am, offering shoppers the first glimpse of the new and improved store.
The milestone occasion was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony as staff waited inside to welcome the first flurry of customers through the door.
The fashion outlet has remained closed since the beginning of the year to make way for a complete refurbishment of the store’s interior.
Hannah Skinner, area manager for the retailer, praised the staff for their hard work in preparation for the grand unveiling.
She said: “We are so excited to have reopened our store in Inverness this morning.
“It has been amazing hearing the response from our customers. I’m really proud of our teams and look forward to continuing to welcome our customers in store.”
The store was due to close for nine weeks to make way for its major refurbishment only for Covid-19 restrictions to result in a lengthy extension.
Customers waiting outside the store they said they were happy to see it back open for business.
Former employee and loyal shopper Kaylie Harrison, 24, said: “I’m so glad it reopening. I can’t wait.
“My best mate works there and I used to work there too. I buy quite a lot of my kid’s clothes from there.”
A short time later, a fellow shopper said: “I have just come out but my daughter is still in there. She is absolutely delighted – she has missed it.
“It’s got quite a nice layout, everything is clean and there is plenty of space between the isles.”
Caroline Cumming, 42, from the Black Isle added: “I am delighted. I’d begun to think they weren’t reopening.
“I’ve been desperate for jeans for my wee boy. The shop is handy and their clothes are a good fit.”
Eastage Centre manager Jackie Cuddy said she was overjoyed to see the store back open and hopes it will encourage young shoppers through the door.
She said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have H&M open.
“It sends out a really positive message for the Eastgate. The investment that not just H&M but the landlords put into it is really positive.
“I hope they take away the experience that Eastgate is moving forward and that despite the difficult times we are trying our best to give the best customer experience.
“It’s amazing. It’s bright, its light and it’s fantastic.
“I really hope that we see a lot of the youngsters come back because it’s very popular store.”
