Marshalls mania: Crowds greet newest Stavanger Drive shop

Shoppers have turned out in droves for Marshalls, the latest retail player to open in St. John's.

Parking spaces were at a premium Tuesday at the store's location on Stavanger Drive.

Inside, shoppers were lined up at cash registers, while scores of others checked out what Marshalls had to offer.

The location is the first store in the Newfoundland and Labrador market for the discount department chain, and employs about 40 people.

Future Shop had operated at the location until the Canadian chain collapsed in 2015.

Marshalls is owned by TJX Companies, which also owns Winners.

Changing dynamics

"It's nice to see some positive things happening. We are in a bit of a downturn and its always good to have good positive things happening in the economy," said Coun.Danny Breen.

Breen said there is also interest in the former Target store, now vacant, next to Costco.

"I understand there are people looking at the Target propertynow to redevelop it."

Breen said the city's east end is changing, but still has life.

"It's still a very busy place. There are a lot of businesses here, a lot of people still come here to shop," he said.

"The dynamic of it will change, but it certainly won't be going anywhere."