Kennedy Centre is choc-a-bloc as Sainsbury's opens
New West Belfast superstore gets first day full marks
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams officially opens the new Sainsburys store in the Kennedy Centre
Sainsbury's opened the doors of its new West Belfast store yesterday morning giving a massive flow of eager customers the chance to view what the North's biggest supermarket has to offer.
All 69,000 sq ft of the new store was buzzing yesterday as thousands of customers descended on the Andersonstown Road supermarket to have a look around. Shoppers were greeted by members of the 350-strong workforce who were strategically stationed throughout the new store helping customers find their way. So what did the customers think of the new store? Was it worth the hype and the wait?
"I am impressed so far," said Jean Gilmore, who was going through the clothing rails. "The quality of these jumpers seems good. I only live across the road, so I'll be here all the time," she laughed. Leanne O'Neill from Lagmore was taken aback by the sheer size of the store. "I can't believe the selection," she said. "They have such a massive range. I'm only doing a bit today, I will be back to do more when it's not so busy."
Maria McCann was left equally in awe by the scale of things. "I am trying to get my bearings," she said. "It is so big, but I am enjoying having a walk around and checking out what they have." Maria's sister, Angela Mc-Cann, also found herself making purchases, despite her best intentions. "I just tagged along with Maria for a wee nosey," she said. "But I have ended up picking up a few things for myself and I know I will get more before I find my way out!"
Margaret Murphy is planning a two-day assault on the store. "I didn't come for anything in particular, I only intended to look around, but that never happens," she said, pointing to a full trolley. "Tomorrow I will be back for my grocery shopping," she added. "I'm here looking for kids' clothes," said Danielle Nolan from the Suffolk Road. "I'm really impressed with the range in clothes and I can't wait to get over there to do my food shopping, they have loads!"
Judging by the smiles and comments, the seemingly endless months of construction were entirely worth the wait.
