A new Dunelm store is opening at a south Essex retail park.

Here's all we know about the new home furnishings shop opening in Basildon very soon.

Signs have been installed at Basildon’s new Dunelm as bosses revealed the shop will open next week.

The leading furniture retailer announced last week that it would be opening at the Mayflower Retail Park, sparking excitement among shoppers and businesses.

Now, a sign has been placed on the door revealing that the shop will officially open on Thursday.

Dunelm will open in place of the previous Outfit store.

Earlier this week, a number of workers were busy getting the store ready and were seen working inside the shop.

Sharon Tilley, 35, from Basildon said: “I really like Dunelm so I can’t wait to buy new furniture and decorations for my home.

“Pretty much everyone I know shops there and loves it. I think Dunelm will add to the good mixture of shops and businesses at the retail park.

“I also think it’s good to see such a big name coming to Basildon and I think it shows confidence of Dunelm in Basildon.”

It follows the announcement in December 2020 that Dunelm could open in the former Primark store in the Royals Shopping Centre, Southend.

Plans were lodged for new signage at the time, however plans have not progressed since, with the shopping centre still up for sale.

Bosses have remained tight-lipped on the project since.

Jan Watt, 62, from Pitsea, added: “I am very excited Dunelm is coming to Basildon. I only to to the shop if I go to Lakeside.

“It has lovely shops and I will be going to use it in Basildon. It’s quite a nice company and offers a nice range of items.

“The retail park has been going from strength to strength with lots of good businesses there.

“I imagine there will be a queue of customers on the first day and I am pleased to see the investment in the borough.”

Last week, the chain which operations more than 170 stores across the UK, stated on its website that a new store is “coming soon” to the Mayflower Retail Park in Basildon.

A number of jobs for the shop were also advertised online by the firm.

Dunelm was contacted for comment.