VIDEO: Shoppers queue in the cold to check out new Aldi store

Hundreds of eager shoppers queued around the block from before dawn as a new supermarket opened in St Annes.
By Tony Durkin
Published 22nd Nov 2013, 09:53 BST
Queues line up to get in Aldi yesterday morning and (below) shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.Queues line up to get in Aldi yesterday morning and (below) shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.
Queues line up to get in Aldi yesterday morning and (below) shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.

The first 100 customers to set foot through the doors of Aldi were handed a golden envelope containing a reward voucher – and South Shore mum-of-one Harriet Goodier claimed the star prize of a 23-inch HD TV.

The 24-year-old said: “I got here at 5am and it’s brilliant to win the TV. My little girl Lexie will be delighted.”

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The 990sqm store on the site of the old Conservative Club and Job Centre has 
created 25 new jobs and is part of a £5.5m development which also includes 35 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Queues line up to get in Aldi yesterday morning and (below) shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.Queues line up to get in Aldi yesterday morning and (below) shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.
Queues line up to get in Aldi yesterday morning and (below) shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.

Aldi bosses have predicted between 10,000 and 15,000 customers a week and manager Rob Alexander said: “It was great to welcome so many people from the local community to the new store.

“We were delighted with the support and with how many people turned out early in the brisk weather to be in with a chance to in our ‘Golden Ticket’ opening event. We look forward to welcoming them as regular shoppers in store and are sure we will be a welcome addition to the town, just in time for the Christmas shopping period.”

St Annes town mayor Coun Viv Willder joined Mr Alexander in cutting the ribbon to mark the opening. She said: “This opening has been eagerly anticipated and is very welcome in St Annes.

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“When we first saw the plans for the new development, we were impressed with how well it was designed to fit in with the surrounding buildings and it does exactly what it promised to do.

Shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.Shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.
Shoppers Harriet Goodier (left) and Helen Bonney who arrived at 5am.

“It is a great addition to the shopping options in the town centre.”

Aldi area manager Richard Newton said: “Aldi has seen recent success with new stores in affluent towns similar to St Annes. Our new stores in locations such as Knutsford and Winchester have proved to be a welcome addition to the shopping landscape with our extensive range of quality and fresh produce at competitive prices.”

The shoppers queuing for the 8am opening were warmed by entertainment, which included a performance by Lytham Community Choir. The first residents of the apartments are set to move in shortly and the site on Clifton Drive North includes more than 60 parking spaces, with a 90-minute time limit enforced via a state-of-the-art photo system.

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Related topics:AldiSt AnnesJob centre