'It's good for Chesterfield that Tesco has stayed in the town' - mayor opens new Tesco Express store on High Street

The mayor, Cllr Barry Dyke, cut the ribbon to open the store on High Street and staff handed out tote bags and pens to the first customers through the doors.

Cllr Dyke said: "It's a nice shop and laid out well. Hopefully, with people coming in, it’s going to be a success. It’s good for Chesterfield that Tesco has stayed in the town.”

Tony and Christine Wilson, who live near Queen’s Park, were among the first customers. Christine said: “I think the store is very good. What I did like was the cheese twists that were still warm.” Tony said: "It's smaller than the old store but the stock looks good in there. It’s well done.”

David and Kim Wilson were visiting Chesterfield for the day. Kim said: “I’ve only just come into Tesco Express to buy a paper. It looks fabulous, really nice warm welcome inside and the staff are particularly helpful.” The couple, who live in Sheffield, had brought their granddaughter to town so she could go to Geeks Headquarters. Kim said the range of specialist shops which Chesterfield had to offer was a big attraction for visitors.

James Morrell is manager at the new Tesco Express store and transitioned from the same position at the Tesco Express Pavements Shopping Centre store which closed yesterday. He said: “I am really excited and looking forward to welcoming Chesterfield customers. We have got a great team of nine colleagues and four shift leaders who have all come across from the Pavements store. Hopefully, the customers will transition here.”

Shelving from the old store will be put to good use, providing storage for Gussies Kitchen which operates as a community pantry to help families experiencing food insecurity. Tony Stacey, who is the mayor’s chauffeur and a volunteer at Gussies Kitchen, said: “They are very short of space and haven’t got enough room to store the food. When I heard this shelving was available, I thought why not take this as an opportunity and Tesco gladly donated it.”

Among the features of the new Tesco Express is an InPost locker automated parcel machine inside the store and a vape and tobacco kiosk. The store is open from 7am until 10pm every day of the week.