Norwich has received another shopping boost after a major chain opened a new store at a retail park on the outskirts of the city.

The new Next Home store at Costessey's Longwater Retail Park, which has created 43 new jobs, threw open its doors to eager shoppers for the first time yesterday.

The store is described as an impressive new interiors shopping destination and offers the homeware products as seen in Next's catalogue collection.

Tim East, who represents Costessey on Norfolk County Council and Old Costessey on South Norfolk Council, gave his backing to the new development.

He said: 'It's to be welcomed. No one wants to see an empty store. It's got to be good for the locality.

'Any store that generates 40-plus jobs has to be welcomed.'

Displaying a variety of household scenes within the 13,595sq ft building, the store shows off its contents with intelligent lighting, new designs and natural materials.

The Longwater Retail Park, sited next to the A47 Southern bypass, has received several boosts over recent months.

Forty jobs were created early last year when Argos chose Longwater to open its fourth store in the Norwich area.

And at the end of 2009, business leaders weclomed news that 120 new jobs would be created with the expansion of the Sainsbury's supermarket on the retail park.

To celebrate yesterday's opening of Next, the store is giving away a sofa. The first 100 customers through the doors were given a special ticket and will be notified if they have won after the draw takes place.

The opening takes the total Home standalone stores in the UK and Ireland to 26.

The store opens from 9am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.

Have you got a story about a new shop or business opening in Norwich? Call reporter Donna-Louise Bishop on 01603 772438 or email donna-louisebishop@archant.co.uk

Looking for a job? Go to www.eveningnews24.co.uk