Bolton: Heron Foods has now opened on Wigan Road, Deane

Heron Foods opened on Wigan Road this week on August 17, and it is already proving to be popular with locals.

On the opening day customers lined the car park waiting to see what the new store had on offer.

Store manager Ben Jones previously worked at a convenience stall in Bolton Market for 16 years before the stall closed last year.

Heron Foods heard about the closure and offered Ben a job.

And now Ben has shared his experiences and expressed his excitement about the opening and how it will bring something to Bolton.

He said: “I used to work for a company just like Heron for 16 years and they unfortunately closed last year and when Heron heard about it, they offered me a job, so I owe a lot to Heron, especially because they have put me back in a store in my hometown.

“I am amazed at how great this new shop is, they have pulled out all the stops on kitting the store out and it is packing a lot inside of it.

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“We will be concentrating on lower prices for the community.

“We have had an amazing turn out, a lot of great feedback from people, people are overwhelmed that we have finally opened, as are we and we just can’t wait to continue to serve the community.

“We had people queuing down the streets when we opened, and there was a general good ambience from everybody, everyone was happy to get in.

Heron Foods staff cutting the ribbon at the opening (Image: Ben Jones)

“Everyone was really happy. I saw a lot of full trolleys and baskets and plenty of bags going out of the store.

“There was a delay of roughly 12 months, I’m not too sure why there were delays but I think it was something to do with the electrics.

“I think this area of Bolton could do with a little bit of love but what it really needs is a cheap shop that you can get everything in and that is what this company is aiming towards.

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“Something on your street, where you can do your best shopping.”

Ben said: “When you first enter the store, you will always find our best buy wall which is going to have a lot of the lowest priced items, but you have to be quick because once they go, they go.

Inside the store (Image: Ben Jones)

“You will find your household goods from cleaning to toiletries, a fresh produce section, a large display of bread, a good quantity of freezers and more.”

There is a one-hour parking restriction and Heron Foods is open 8am to 8pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm and there is scope to extend in the future.

Other businesses are set to move into the complex being developed in the old car park of the Stags Head.

The site had been planned to host multiple food and drinks outlets.

The Bolton News revealed that plans had been put forward to open bakery, Greenhalgh’s.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.