THE MANAGERESS of Exmouth s new Iceland store said the first week of business was an overwhelming success. Crowds of shoppers have descended on the food outlet, on The Parade, since it was opened last Thursday by mayor Darryl Nicholas, eager to see what i

THE MANAGERESS of Exmouth's new Iceland store said the first week of business was an overwhelming success.

Crowds of shoppers have descended on the food outlet, on The Parade, since it was opened last Thursday by mayor Darryl Nicholas, eager to see what it has to offer.

Manageress Natalie Denley said: "We've been very busy. We made �16,000 in takings on our opening day and the same on Friday."

Natalie said one of the unique selling points of shopping at Iceland was a free home delivery service if customers spend �25.

She added: "We can deliver all round Exmouth to a ten mile radius. We also have a bonus card which is unique, part of the home delivery."

"We have a trolly dash coming up - the more customers get swipes, the more they get entered into the competition."

Iceland opening created 38 local jobs.

Mayor Darryl Nicholas said: "It is very pleasing to see Iceland up and running.

"The collapse of Woolworths left many sizeable retail units empty across the country.

"For Iceland to have quickly made the move to come to Exmouth highlights the relative confidence in our town at a period of great economic difficulty.

"The parade area in general should also feel the benefit of the additional footfall and consumer interest that the store will generate."

Natalie said Iceland would be a permanent fixture in the town and not become another retail victim of the economic climate.

"We're here for the long haul. Judging on the success of the first week, everything bodes well."

Impressed with the new Iceland store, shopper Geoff Hill, of Madeira Villas, said: "I'm pleased it has opened particularly because of all the others which have shut down.

"It should survive alright - there's nowhere else to buy frozen foods in the town centre.

"I will probably use Iceland regularly but not for bulk items because you can't carry them back to the car parks so easy.