MANATEE - Hundreds showed up Thursday morning for the grand opening of Marshalls Department Store at Shoppes of Paradise on Cortez.

There was a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 23,844-square-foot shop. The store is one of 880 Marshalls operating in 43 states and Puerto Rico.

Dozens of shoppers were waiting when the store opened its doors. Marshalls offers designer brand names in women’s fashion, shoes, accessories, men’s apparel, home, juniors, kids apparel and accessories, luggage, and beauty.

About 60 full- and part-time positions were filled at the store. For its grand opening celebration, Marshalls presented a $5,000 donation to Foundation for Dreams, Inc., a program for children with special needs and chronic illnesses.