The Range finally opens its doors for business this weekend.

While many retail businesses have had to close their doors during the economic downturn the discount department store has moved into the Dockside Outlet Centre, Chatham Maritime creating 50 jobs.

The store, which has opened a month earlier than expected, has 65,000 products over 16 departments offering everything from furniture, arts and crafts to camping and gardening.

In total it occupies 50,000 sq ft over two floors including an 8,500 sq ft garden centre to the side of the building.

To mark Friday's opening the centre has laid on a raft of entertainment for shoppers including magicians, balloon modellers and face painters.

The Range also brings with it brand new opening hours. The Centre will now be open from 9am to 8pm on Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturdays, 11am to 5pm on Sundays and 10am to 5pm on Bank Holidays.

Anthony Sutton, Centre Manager at Dockside, said: "The Range opening is the start of an exciting development period for Dockside with other key lettings to follow.

"To be able to announce the opening of such a major store in the current economic climate when many retailers are closing shops is fantastic.

"‘Books To Go’ are another retailer that will be joining our growing line up shortly and we will be making further announcements in the coming months."