A big household name's new store in County Durham has been hailed a success after officially opening with a flurry of customers from far and wide.

Shoe retailer, Skechers officially opened its latest store in the North East at the Dalton Park Outlet shopping complex near Murton on Friday.

It comes as signs were spotted earlier this month showing the new retailer was just weeks away from hosting its first customers.

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Stocking a big range of footwear, clothing and accessories for men, women and children, the store officially opened to much fanfare.

The Northern Echo: The new store Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe new store Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

Craig Herkes, Skechers District Manager, said: “We have been very warmly welcomed by shoppers and the Dalton Park team and we are thrilled to unveil our new store and start trading.

“We’re really excited about the products we will be offering as it is an exciting mix of our lifestyle and performance footwear as well as clothing and accessories for men, women and children.

“Skechers is well known for innovative footwear features that make a real difference when it comes to comfort and, with so many styles to choose from, there really is a perfect pair for the entire family.

The Northern Echo: Emma Elsdon-Collins, Store Supervisor, Richard Kaye, Dalton Park Centre Manager, Natallie Kerr, Assistant Manager, Naomi Gardner, Manager, Craig Herkes, District Manager and Maxine Thomson, Store SupervisorEmma Elsdon-Collins, Store Supervisor, Richard Kaye, Dalton Park Centre Manager, Natallie Kerr, Assistant Manager, Naomi Gardner, Manager, Craig Herkes, District Manager and Maxine Thomson, Store Supervisor

“We look forward to working closely with the team here at Dalton Park and meeting more shoppers in the coming weeks and months.”

A total of 14 jobs have been created so far including shop assistants, supervisors and a team of managers.

The store joins Skechers' other locations in the North East including the Metrocentre, Newcastle Eldon Square and Teesside Park.

Richard Kaye, Centre Manager at Dalton Park, said: “Skechers is a fantastic brand that really complements our offering here at Dalton Park and I was thrilled to attend the store opening on Friday.

“Its hugely popular product range is constantly updated and expanded and there really is something for everyone.

“We’ve already had incredible feedback from shoppers over the weekend and the store was very busy.

“The team are great to work with and are really passionate about offering first class customer service, which mirrors our ethos at Dalton Park.”

The new Skechers store can be found next to The Body Shop and Ben Sherman near the central entrance.

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