Mayor Michael Ruston opens new QD store in Hunstanton

A queue stretched along Hunstanton's High Street eager to be the first shoppers in the town's new store.

Councillor Michael Ruston, Mayor of Hunstanton, officially opened QD. He said: "What a cracking day!

"Last year a shadow of gloom fell over the town when M&Co closed and that deepened as the months went by, but up popped QD and it's a wonderful set-up.

"What they've achieved in a short space of time is amazing.

"No more waiting - let's get on with it!" 

After the ribbon was cut shoppers streamed into the building and the first 100 customers also received a special QD goody bag.

Hunstanton resident Nicola Eaglin revealed that the contents of her goody bag included household cleaning materials, toiletries, a cup and chocolate.

Sidney – the mascot from popular local holiday park Searles – popped down to assist the Mayor and welcome shoppers. 

Very happy shoppers

QD Group Operations Director Karl Ottolangui said: Two of the nineteen jobs that have been created here have been taken by former M&Co staff which is very pleasing."

Having completed his shopping (a solar hedgehog light, bird feed, batteries and chocolate) Mayor Michael Ruston said: "It's super, a clean and modern store with a similar feel to the much-loved Woolworths, and it's great that it is a Norfolk, family owned, independent company; all in all great news."

QD opened its first store in Norwich in 1985. The independent, family-run business now has 30 stores in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and beyond. QD strives to offer ‘Value Guaranteed’ – doing its best to offer great quality products cheaper than the high street, and when QD can't be cheaper, it will always offer better quality.

The company is also committed to being a responsible retailer, having launched its Value Our Planet initiative in 2021. This has seen QD introduce more than 1800 eco-friendly and sustainable products onto its shelves, as well as the company running on 100% renewable energy and recycling hundreds of tonnes of waste cardboard and plastic.

QD’s new store is at 8-16 High Street, Hunstanton PE36 5AF. For more information on QD, visit www.qualitydiscounts.com.

Photos: Ian Burt