A huge store in the centre of Norwich has been completely transformed as Mountain Warehouse opens in the former home of Topshop.

The new 11,000sqft shop is located at 15-17 Haymarket and it is the outdoor clothing and equipment retailer's second branch in the city, with the other one in nearby London Street.

The Haymarket unit has been vacant for more than two years after the fashion brand Topshop shut its doors in February 2021.

Norwich Evening News: Mountain Warehouse opens at 15-17 Haymarket today (Saturday, October 21) Picture: Denise BradleyMountain Warehouse opens at 15-17 Haymarket today (Saturday, October 21) Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

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The spacious new Mountain Warehouse store features menswear, womenswear, children's clothing, footwear and equipment spread over the ground floor.

The mezzanine floor, which was previously home to Topman, has been removed. 

Norwich Evening News: A selection of hats from the new Mountain Warehouse store Picture: Denise BradleyA selection of hats from the new Mountain Warehouse store Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

It also stocks collections from the coastal lifestyle brand Animal, including t-shirts, hoodies and vegan boots. 

Mark Neale started Mountain Warehouse in Swindon in 1997 and there are now more than 340 stores worldwide. 

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Norwich Evening News: The children's section in the new Mountain Warehouse store Picture: Denise BradleyThe children's section in the new Mountain Warehouse store Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Neale said: "We are thrilled to be opening our new store in Norwich and excited to share our passion for adventure and great value outdoor gear for all the family, even the dog!”

The opening of the Norwich store has created 18 new jobs in the local area. 

Morrisons was previously expected to take on the large unit and sign a 15-year lease.

Norwich Evening News:  Will Oliver fills the shoe displays at the new Mountain Warehouse Picture: Denise Bradley Will Oliver fills the shoe displays at the new Mountain Warehouse Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

However, in August this year, the supermarket exclusively revealed to us that this deal had collapsed. 

Before this, the shop front had been plastered with graffiti, with slogans criticising that the building was empty while people were homeless in the city. 

Soon after Morrisons announced it was pulling out, it emerged that Mountain Warehouse was moving in instead with job adverts posted online. 

Norwich Evening News: Manager Jon Edmunds, centre, with assistant managers Kyle Bartlett-Wilson and Lisa Hutchinson, at the new Mountain Warehouse store in Norwich Picture: Denise BradleyManager Jon Edmunds, centre, with assistant managers Kyle Bartlett-Wilson and Lisa Hutchinson, at the new Mountain Warehouse store in Norwich Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Jon Edmunds, Haymarket store manager, said: "There has been a lot of interest around the opening and people have been trying to get in all week.

"There is 10pc off for all customers this Saturday as an introductory offer." 

The opening times are 9am to 7pm on Saturdays and weekdays, apart from Thursdays with an 8pm closure, and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.