VIDEO: Excited crowds gather as Cotswold Outdoor opens in Horsham

Crowds stretched down West Street and continued into middle street as customers eagerly anticipated the opening of the outdoor retailer.

The store, which has taken over the site previously occupied by HMV, is slightly different in comparison to other opened by the chain.

It boasts a brand new design and special features which are completely unique to the Horsham store.

There is a downstairs area with women’s, men’s and children’s clothing along with a children’s play area where youngsters can watch television whilst parents shop.

The store has also expanded upstairs where you can buy more outdoor equipment as well as hiking and walking shoes.

Hans Falkenburg CEO at Cotswold Outdoor, came down for the opening.

He said: “It is terrific. I am very pleased to see so many people have turned up.

“We are really trying to serve everybody from ramblers and walkers to climber and mountaineers.

“We are very excited to be here as Horsham is a very special town and I hope we fit in well.”

The store was opened by Horsham District Council chairman Tricia Youtan who was very excited about the latest addition to the High Street.

She said: “The store is fabulous, it’s really super. Cotswold coming here is obviously great for the town as it is a very well respected brand with a good reputation.”

The store officially opened its doors at 12pm but many shoppers had been waiting outside since 11am.

Nigel Duckworth came down all the way from Hailsham and said: “I left at 8.50 this morning to get down here.

“I am very excited about the store opening. It is just really good and always has the stuff you want.”

Kelly Luffman, from Horsham, added: “I am very excited and couldn’t wait for it to open.”

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