The branch, which is the linchpin of the new Menai Centre, has doubled its number of staff since relocating from its smaller High Street site.

It was officially opened on Tuesday morning, and many of the queuing shoppers held high hopes that it would play a major part in aiding the regeneration of the city.

Gaynor Edwards, of Llanberis, said: "I always come to Bangor for shopping, and I think this new store will prove to be a good thing for the city.

"As well as offering plenty of choice, it's also right by the bus stop, so travelling isn't a problem."

Bangorian Mansle Liggins explained that he shopped in Bangor on a daily basis, and added: "From now on I have a feeling I'll be here everyday, if the wife has anything to do with it!

"Lots of shoppers are going to Llandudno at the moment, so maybe things will now start to change."

With the store preparing to open to the public for the first time, many shoppers joined the growing queue to be the first through the doors, as well as to receive one of 100 goody bags.

First in line were Nick and Jules Lee from Menai Bridge, who had waited since 7.45am for the opening.

Nick said: "This is just what Bangor needs, it's very frustrating that more people have been going to Llandudno, but now the city has more to offer."

Jules added: "We've been talking about this all morning, we've had plenty of time!"

At 10am the honour of cutting the ribbon fell to the branch's longest serving staff members, Johanna Owen and Gwerfyl Morris, who have more than 65 years of service between them, and both confessed to feeling quite nervous and excited about the day.

Staff moved out of the High Street store on Saturday, with the relocation being completed just hours before the new site opened.

Store manager Kari Rodgers said: "This has been a great day, it's much
busier than expected.

"This is just exactly what Bangor needs at the moment and something the city has been waiting for a long time – hopefully it will be the start of Bangor going on the up."