A LONG-AWAITED shop set to bring a “Scandi shopping experience” to Bradford has been smashed up by thieves, just days before the store opening.

JYSK Bradford at Phoenix Retail Park was targeted by intruders who immediately headed for the tills.

But the crooks left empty handed after finding there was no cash stored overnight.

David Ashton, country manager for JYSK UK, said: “We look on the bright side and can only assume that this unexpected early ‘preview’ was because these individuals simply could not wait for us to open our doors to the public on Saturday morning.

“All retailers now have such good controls in place that money is never left overnight unsecure in the tills.

“We know that Bradford is full of many wonderful people, who we are excited to welcome, officially, on Saturday, June 29, at 9am.

“It was, at least, a great opportunity to test that all our security systems installed worked faultlessly.

“We do ensure all our stores are very well protected.”

The store, which is part of JYSK’s expansion into the UK, chose the city’s retail park out of 400 other locations - opening up ten new jobs.

The opening event will feature a charity fundraising challenge by Bradford City FC Disability Team and a pledge of support for Bradford Hospital’s Rays a Smile Appeal.

Opening day shoppers can expect prices of up to 70% off, free ice creams (while ice creams last), a free Danish breakfast and, for early bird customers in the queue, a ‘balloon bonus’.

One lucky shopper could also win a whole sitting room full of furnishings.

The company says the Bradford branch will be a “Concept 3.0” store that will feature “well-laid out products and cool natural wood-flooring to give shoppers a bigger Scandi shopping experience.”

The brand is opening one other store in St Helens.

Mr Ashton, said: “I am very pleased to announce our next flags on the UK map will be in Bradford and St Helens.

“We will finish FY (financial year) 19 increasing our store numbers by 30 per cent, then again in FY20 we plan to grow 30 Per cent once again.

“As we have just seen in our March 2019 figures, with 21.3 per cent comparable sales growth, the UK certainly know where to go for a great offer.

“Whilst we might be an unknown to many within the UK, our strong international buying power, with 2,700 stores worldwide brings the UK customer home furniture ideas at great prices.

It is hoped the new shop will revive Phoenix Retail Park after the closure of Toys r’ Us and associated Babies r’ Us meant there was just one business on site - JD Gyms.

But Iceland’s decision to open one of the company’s Food Warehouse supermarkets in the former Toys r’ Us unit brought retail back to the site.

Paul Lee, UK sales and marketing manager for JYSK, told Insider Media: "JYSK is absolutely perfect for Bradford shoppers – they have style and an eye for a great offer.

"We considered around 400 other locations before settling on this vibrant, lively and diverse community.

"I'd strongly recommend arriving early on opening day.

"We are really looking forward to saying 'Hello Bradford'."