Bosses at HJ Knee are pleased with the support they have received from shoppers since the shop was moved from Trow- bridge town centre to the Spitfire Retail Park.

After 130 years the family firm left its Fore Street base and the new shop was opened by town crier Trevor Heeks on Friday.

Knees replaced the former Comet shop and will specialise in electrical goods, furniture and homeware.

The retailer downsized as it prepared for the move, closing its electrical store and partially closing its department store, which will remain open until it sells its discontinued and clearance stock.

Ian Vidler, retail director, said: “The vast majority of customers have been really pleased with the shop and its offering. We’ve encountered the odd gripe, but that is understandable. At the weekend we took the equivalent of what we’d usually take at the department and electrical store which is promising given we didn’t have too many offers or promotions.

“I’m sure this move will safeguard the future of the company for the next 20 or 30 years.”

The new store’s first customers were Bradford on Avon couple John and Josephine Barrett who received a bottle of champagne when buying a Dyson vacuum cleaner.

Mrs Barrett said: “We certainly hadn’t intended to be the first customers, so it was quite a shock. I think the shop is very nice and very well laid out and I wish them all the best for the future.”