Checkout these exclusive photos of inside the new Cranbrook Morrisons supermarket just hours before it is set to open to the public.
As the countdown begins, ending the town’s 10-year wait for a supermarket, East Devon News was invited for a sneak peek inside the new 15,600 square-feet store, which is packed full of shopping trolley favourites.
The doors open for trade at 6am on Thursday, December 12, with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for 9am.
Customers can expect a festive-themed launch with Santa’s sleigh, Christmas carols, a brass band, plus a Red Bull Formula One car, and the supermarket’s charity partner, Marie Curie.
And to mark the opening of the town’s new supermarket, customers can use the onsite launderette for free until Monday (December 16).
Step inside the store and this is what you will see.
Photo: EDN.
The store boasts a pizza counter.
Photo: EDN.
Pictured here, L to R: Sam Watson, store manager Dan Smith, Riley Hancock, Kenzie Francis, operations manager Frances Somerton, people manager Natalie Radcliffe, Tom McMullen, South West regional manager.
Photo: East Devon News.
Step inside straight into the shopping area.
Photo: EDN.
Tills and the self-service area.
Photo: EDN.
Aisles are fully stocked.
Photo: EDN.
The store entrance.
Photo: EDN.
The store is stocked for small pets’ needs.
Photo: EDN.
State-of-the-art cabinets hold an array of alcohol.
Photo: EDN.
Service booths and an area for recycling coffee pods and vapes.
Photo: EDN.
The freezers are full of food.
Photo: EDN.
Staff have been busy filling the shelves.
Photo: EDN.
The new store will be open from 6am, December 12.
Photo: EDN.
Everything is ready for the launch of the new store.
Photo: EDN.
All Morrisons now have a seating area where you can take a break from shopping.
Photo: EDN.
The new store is ready for customers.
Photo: EDN.
The supermarket is stocked and ready to go.
Photo: EDN.
Customers can do their weekly shop in Cranbrook.
Photo: EDN.
Seasonal goods on sale.
Photo: EDN.
Recruitment for the new store began in the autumn, and attracted around 600 applications vying to work at the supermarket.
More than 380 interviews were held for the various positions and 80 per cent of the staff employed in the full and part-time roles live in Cranbrook.
Cranbrook residents Sam Watson, of Crabtree Close, has been employed as a counter assistant on the fresh-to-go section, Riley Hancock, aged 18, of Station Road, and Kenzie Francis, aged 19, of Badger Way, both work in the bakery as customer assistants.
When it’s gone…it’s gone. Special offers will be a regular feature.
Photo: EDN.
KItchen and homeware.
Photo: EDN.
The store is ready for its launch day.
Photo: EDN.
The bakery area.
Photo: EDN.
An empty store – but not for long.
Photo: EDN.
Staff put the finishing touches to aisles.
Photo: EDN.
The shop floor is ready for customers.
Photo: EDN.
Everything has been stocked ready for customers.
Photo: EDN.
Cranbrook Morrisons will open on December 12, 2024.
Photo: EDN.
East Devon News was granted a sneak peek inside the new store.
Photo: EDN.
The bakery area at the new store.
Photo: EDN.
The bakery was stocked for the workers getting the store ready for opening.
Photo: EDN.
The supermarket is ready for customers.
Photo: EDN.
Step inside the store and this is what you will see.
Photo: EDN.
Dan Smith, store manager, said: “We know the residents of Cranbrook have been eagerly anticipating the opening of this new store and so we are really pleased to be opening this brand new Morrisons store at the centre of the town with skilled food making at the heart of it and plenty of useful services.
“We hope customers will love the store and we look forward to welcoming them all and to Morrisons becoming a big part of the community.”
Councillor Les Bayliss, Cranbrook Town Council chairman, said: “We are delighted to welcome Morrisons to Cranbrook. This new store is a significant addition to our town, not only offering residents greater convenience and choice but also potentially creating valuable job opportunities for our community.
“Cranbrook continues to grow and thrive, and the arrival of a major retailer like Morrisons is a testament to the town’s potential and vibrant future.
“We are proud to support this milestone.”
Cllr Paul Arnott, leader of the district council, said: It’s a very exciting day for the people of Cranbrook and the surrounding area.
“After waiting patiently for a supermarket in their town centre, I’m sure that residents will join me in being delighted to see this critical community facility now open.
“Local people will remember this important milestone for the town for many years to come.
“It will help to bring people into the town centre and act as a catalyst for further development and I can’t wait to see it unfold.”
Cranbrook Morrisons, on Elm Drive, opens to the public on Thursday, December 12, from 6am.
