The credit crunch couldn't have been further from their minds yesterday as hundreds of eager shoppers queued to be among the first to visit John Lewis’s new flagship Poole store.

The store let 1,300 people through its doors within 15 minutes of its grand opening.

Neighbouring roads were gridlocked as bargain-hunters flocked to the John Lewis at Home outlet.

A spokesman at nearby Branksome Carpets on Poole Road said: “The roads have been grid-locked all day; Ashley Road is still jam-packed in both directions.”

Some John Lewis customers popped into nearby David Mack Antiques on Poole Road.

An employee told the Daily Echo: “There has been heavy traffic outside since 10am but it’s been a bonus for us because a few have come in here as well.”

After fighting their way through the traffic, around 800 bargain-hunters waited patiently for the 10am opening.

Even an hour after the official launch, the throng still snaked its way the whole length of the 40,000 sq ft building on Poole Retail Park, Branksome.

Janet Jones from Broadstone, one of the first in the queue, described the store as a welcome addition to Poole, adding: “John Lewis has a good reputation.”

Store manager James Prince was given the honour of cutting the ribbon, assisted by children from Branksome Heath Middle School.

Loud cheers also marked the occasion, with a brass band striking up as shoppers poured through the doors.

The store is the high street giant's first dedicated homeware outlet in the UK with 100,000 different products on show.

While many were just visiting to browse the huge selection, others were soon leaving with bags of goods.

But even the lure of a free box of chocolates failed to entice one Parkstone mother, who arrived at 11 am, through the doors.

She said: “After having to contend with the traffic, I spotted the queue outside and decided to give the John Lewis store a miss.

“It’s close to home and there will be lots of other days for Christmas shopping.”

Mr Prince said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better start. The response has been absolutely superb.

“We are looking forward to seeing how our customers react. The best thing is the store will make shopping at John Lewis more accessible and more convenient.

“It is hoped the draw of John Lewis will help revive Poole Retail Park, which is also home to branches of Homebase, Comet and Laura Ashley. Around 150 jobs have been generated by the opening of the new store.

While welcoming the opening of the new store and jobs boost to the area, Branksome West councillor Phil Eades said: “I hope the absolutely horrendous traffic it generated is a one-off.

“I ended up getting stuck in the gridlock. Local residents fear that the John Lewis store could create the same congestion as the Castlepoint shopping complex in Bournemouth.”

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