A NEW Home Bargains store, which cost £750,000 and has created 55 jobs, opens in Haddington this weekend.

The national chain is the latest retailer to open in Haddington Retail Park, with the new shop officially opening its doors for the first time on Saturday at 8am.

Already, Costa Coffee, The Food Warehouse and Aldi are welcoming customers on the town’s western edge.

Ahead of the opening, Home Bargains also confirmed it would be making a £2,000 donation to Haddington-based good cause the Lammermuir Larder.

Magdalena Cosgrove, the new Home Bargains store manager at Haddington Retail Park, was looking forward to welcoming customers this weekend.

She said: “I’ve worked in the retail sector for many years, but there’s nothing quite like the buzz of opening a new store.

“Four years ago, I helped launch our Craigmillar Shopping Centre site, so I know how much hard work and dedication goes into something like this.

“I can’t wait to open the store this weekend alongside such a fantastic team – it’s something that I’m exceptionally proud of.”

The more than 15,000-square-foot store will offer shoppers a range of products, including homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks, as well as fresh and frozen food.

Pat Lemmon, founder of the Lammermuir Larder, welcomed the four-figure donation.

The volunteer-led food initiative provides people in need with a week’s shopping, fresh fruit and vegetables, and a meat voucher.

Mrs Lemmon, who is also a member of the town’s community council, said: “We are over the moon to be picked as the local group to benefit from this wonderful donation from Home Bargains.

“This money will go a long way in helping many people in the Haddington and Lammermuir area who are currently struggling financially and worried about putting food on the table.”

A petrol station is also planned for the retail park, with one remaining unit yet to be filled.