THE unfamiliar sight of queues of shoppers snaking down Cinderford High Street signalled the opening of the town branch of the Original Factory Shop on Saturday.

The 10,000 sq ft department store in the old Westgate building saw a heavy footfall all weekend with the tills ringing up a constant stream of sales.

The town itself was noticeably busier than normal with the knock on effect benefitting the other town centre traders.

A delighted Darren Jesson, The Original Factory Shop Area Manager, said: “The launch of our new Cinderford store last Saturday was a huge success.

“Sales got off to a great start, with 2,000 purchases made since our soft launch on Thursday to closing on Sunday.

“We also had really positive feedback from the residents of Cinderford.”

Shoppers were greeted with fun, games and competition prizes and there were also discount cards offering 10 per cent off purchases in the first week of opening.

The opening of the Cinderford store brings the total number of The Original Factory Shop outlets UK wide to 213.

The multi-branded 10,000 sq ft store will stock well known brands in fashion and footwear, beauty, homewares and everyday essentials at discounted prices.