DESPITE being overshadowed by a national industrial protest, John Lewis at home gained a strong response from shoppers.
Customers hailing from across West Sussex descended on the Portfield Way site for its Easter opening event.
The first customer was Muriel Houseman, who bought an official London 2012 mug.
She said: “Everyone has been looking forward to John Lewis opening in Chichester since it was announced last year.
“My husband and I are particularly grateful as we were given a bottle of champagne for making the first purchase, which we’ll use to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary later this year. The store has also provided our son with a job and we look forward to coming back again.”