Supermarket opening draws in the crowds (From Gazette Series)

Supermarket opening draws in the crowds

11:15am Thursday 19th June 2008 in Search By Liza-Jane Gillespie

THERE was great excitement in Thornbury today with the opening of the new Aldi store.

Eager shoppers began queuing outside the store in the St Mary Shopping Centre at 6.30am this morning hoping to be the first to check out the new supermarket.

More than 200 people waited patiently for the doors to open at 9am, which they did with the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony by store manager Paul Kember.

The first 100 shoppers were rewarded for their keen interest with a golden ticket, which entitled them to a special gift ranging from a television, digital radios and bags of Aldi products.

Mr Kember said: "It's unfortunate there has been a gap between us opening and Somerfields closing but I hope people from the town and surrounding area will give us a visit.

"We offer our shoppers quality goods that are fantastic quality.

"Having spoken to customers this morning we've had some really good comments about our arrival in the town. Thornbury is making us feel very welcome."

Throughout the opening weekend Aldi will be pulling out all the stops to attract new shoppers with a magician entertaining the crowds today, food sampling tomorrow, a children's entertainer on Saturday and wine tasting on Sunday.

Aldi replaces Somerfield, which left Thornbury suddenly last November. The shopping unit has remained empty for the last seven months but shopping centre management hopes the opening today will mean a turn around in trade.

Alan Cole, manager for St Mary Shopping Centre, said: "This store has been much anticipated. We are very pleased with the level of commitment they've shown with their investment in the re-fit.

"Aldi will be a viable alternative to other supermarkets in the town offering residents a choice. The store should help restore interest in the centre of Thornbury."

To mark the opening Aldi donated £2,000 to Thornbury FM to help the community radio with its broadcasts and its work with local children.

See next week's Thornbury Gazette for more reaction to the Aldi opening.