The Range store in Coalville officially opened its doors to the public today (Friday) at 9am.

But Coalville Nub News was invited for a sneak peek behind the scenes beforehand to see what customers can expect from the Whitwick Retail Park outlet.

The Range opening has been welcomed by most of our readers ever since it was given planning permission to occupy the site next door to B&M.

A 'soft opening' was held this afternoon (Thursday) with some people already sampling the goods on offer.

You can see from our photos what is inside - and East Midlands area manager Graham Smith told Coalville Nub News how the preparations have been going.

He said: "We're ready to go and it's fantastic we can't wait to open up to our new Coalville customers.

"There's a big buzz on this retail park already, with people looking forward to seeing a brand that is already popular throughout the UK.

"Our name precedes us quite a lot of the time."

Graham added there is plenty to see inside and said: "We have a 17,000 ft.² store here and 20-plus departments.

"We have a garden centre, patio department, homewares, food, kitchen and dining, we've got something for everybody, there's a lot of the one roof.

"Everyone's welcome, the whole family, the kids, mums and dads and everybody else.

"It's going to be a great atmosphere on the opening day."

Readers of Coalville Nub News have been excited to see The Range's arrival in the area - and the new store has seen that as well.

Graham said: "I get the same feeling about it.

"I was out in the car park earlier talking to some of the customers, they're really looking forward to tomorrow, and will be here early morning when the doors open.

"So it'll put Coalville on the map for The Range, we're looking forward to adding another one to our stables - and serving our Coalville customers well."

The fact that The Range is now sited directly next door to another similar outlet in B&M has not escapes The Range team.

Graham added: "There's always friendly competition, it's always nice to have good neighbours.

"B&M and ourselves - there might be other retailers along those kind of lines told.

"But, do you know what, competition is good, it's good to see community's thriving and it's good to see businesses thriving.

"So why wouldn't we want them next door to us? Absolutely.".