DANISH global furniture retailer JYSK received strong backing as it unveiled its new store in St Helens – and enjoyed record opening day sales.

The store on St Helens Retail Park, in the former Maplin store, is part of the multi billion pound company's wider expansion plans.

A preview event on Friday evening was attended by Eamonn McManus, chairman of the St Helens Economy Board and Saints RFC, who welcomed JYSK UK's country manager David Ashton to the borough.

St Helens Star:

The Saints women's team and Marie Rimmer MP were among the guests

St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer also lent her support along with the squad of the Saints Women's rugby team.

The opening weekend drew large crowds and store bosses were delighted with the reception.

The St Helens store saw record sales for the opening day of a JYSK store.

National manager for JYSK UK, David Ashton, said: "It’s a destination we have chosen specifically for our new-look concept store.

"St Helens customers will enjoy an attractive and inspiring store to spark ideas for their next big (or small) purchase in or outdoor furnishing project.

St Helens Star: St Helens Star:

"We have a unique culture at JYSK with our Scandinavian leadership style, there is no management hierarchy and we celebrate everything together.

"In many parts of the UK we are an ‘unknown’, but with our 2,500 stores worldwide we have incredible buying power and that is how we can pass on fantastic offers to our customers every day.”

St Helens Star: