Sunderland's new Dunelm store set to open - this is when the first customers will be able to shop as store moves across the River Wear

After 17 years of welcoming shoppers at Pallion Retail Park, the business is moving into North Hylton Retail Park, off Timber Beach Road.

Its first customers will be ushered in from 8am, when members of Dunelm Sunderland Community Support Facebook group will be given the first glimpse of the shop.

The 20 people at the front of the queue will be given an exclusive goody bag, with the first 50 customers through the door after a ribbon-cutting at 9am to be given a gift voucher, along with the chance to win £500 to spend in-store.

The shop’s bosses say the store will feature a “new format but with the same great offering” with a new Made to Measure department stocked with the latest fabrics and staffed with a team with a wealth of knowledge.

It also has a Pausa coffee shop, a standalone Dorma department and a ‘Take Home Today’ furniture department, making it easier for customers to take home what they see on the day.

Store manager Gary Jarvis said: “After 17 years of trading from Pallion retail park we are excited to move into our new home on Hylton Riverside retail park.

"The store looks absolutely amazing which reflects the hard work put in by everyone involved.

“We are looking forward to welcoming back all of our existing customers, and very much looking forward to getting to know our new customers.”

The company’s shops enforce strict guidelines to ensure social distancing and hygiene practices.

These include a limit on the number of people, with a controlled flow of customers around the store, and enhanced cleaning regime in all areas, as well as the provision of protective equipment and face coverings for all workers.

It has also introduced new ways of shopping, including contactless deliveries, virtual appointments with a personal shopper or a made-to-measure consultant.

It says it has worked with experts from the NHS, Government and Trading Standards as it re-opened its stores in May following the easing of the lockdown.

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