A line snaked out the door and into the car park as the first Spotlight store opened in Canberra, in busy Gungahlin, on Wednesday.
Social distancing considerations as well as the desire of keen shoppers to find an opening-day special led to the long line at the store in Crinigan Circle, near Bunnings.
Store manager Danny Poole said the new store, which covers 2587 square metres, had already been embraced by the community.
"It's been an absolute success," he said.
"Obviously the community is very happy that we're here."
Fans of the haberdashery and homewares chain have had, until now, to go to Spotlight in Queanbeyan to get their fix.
Balloons, a visit by Paw Patrol and food and coffee added to the opening day festivities at the Gungahlin centre which is in a new strip of shops including Anaconda and PetBarn.
Mr Poole said about 50 people would be employed in the new Spotlight.
Gungahlin residents such as Rachel Jabs of Palmerston found plenty of bargains on the first day.
"I love it," she said.
"It's so good we don't have to go to Queanbeyan anymore."
Mr Poole said the reason Spotlight hadn't come to Canberra earlier was simple.
"I think finding the right site, that's what it came down to," he said.
"And I think they've more than found the right site, they've nailed it."
