BILLIONAIRE Chris Dawson was on hand to open his new The Range store in Bromborough this morning after flying in by helicopter.
Around 80 people queued for the opening of the new outlet on the Croft Retail Park, which has 16 departments spread across two floors including a family café.
It was officially opened by mayor of Wirral Cllr Les Rowlands who was joined for the ribbon-cutting by entrepreneur Mr Dawson - who has plans to open 1,000 stores across Europe.
The Range has more than 100 stores around the UK and sells mid-priced garden and home furniture, as well as arts and crafts, lighting, luggage and clothing.
In April, its owner leapfrogged 20 places in the 2015 Sunday Times Rich List.
The annual figures ranked the retail magnate as the UK’s 57th wealthiest person.
Mayor of Wirral Cllr Les Rowland and billionaire Chris Dawson.
It means the former "rage to riches" market trader is worth a staggering £1.65 billion.
Mr Dawson said: “It is always exciting to open a new store and Bromborough is no exception.
"The new store will bring around 80 jobs to the local area.
"Bromborough is the perfect location for The Range and we look forward to inviting the local community down to experience the selection of products that The Range has to offer”.
The Range offered free waterproof Regatta jackets to the first 50 people in the queue.
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