Closer parking was a pull as people checked out a new discount store in town.

A second branch of 99p Stores opened in town today at Imperial Retail Park, Gravesend.

Curious shoppers popped in to pick up something cheap and cheerful or just have a browse, taking advantage of the on-site car park.

The chain also has a branch nearby in the St George’s Shopping Centre but the bigger store will offer bargain hunters more variety.

Kan Sandhu, 34, from Gravesend, was with her daughter Kiran Bains, 10 and son Yuvraj Bains, two, and said the parking was definitely a benefit.

She said: “It’s bigger and I can park my car and take some shopping in; it’s harder at the other one.

“I won’t say it’s good because you can get some stuff cheaper in Asda.

“To be honest we aren’t really in need of another pound shop.”

The announcement that the store would open caused mixed responses online with people torn over the decision on the Gravesend Messenger Facebook page.

Some argued it would have been better to have a soft play centre for youngsters or different stores such as Matalan, Argos Extra or The Range.

Shopper Franco McDonnell, 37, from Gravesend, said the popularity of pound shops were a sign of the times, especially when people were hard up.

He said: “It’s easier to get to than the other branch and the staff are nice.

“There should be a lot more pound shops with the struggle that’s going on. Another one opening is a good thing.”

Shop assistant Si-an Bartlett, 19, was glad 99p Stores had opened and said that it had helped her get on the career ladder.

She said: “This gives more variety for people in the town.

“When I was at the job centre I didn’t have much opportunity to get a job but now this has opened up more chances for me and I can get experience that I couldn’t before.”

Her colleague Flora Perez-Ugarte, 21, agreed that a new store of this kind could only be a good thing.

She said: “It’s giving kids like us a chance, not everyone gets good grades.”