Lockdown meant less fanfare at the opening of Chester ’s brand new Aldi store but that didn’t stop customers queuing outside the door before opening time.
Complete with shopping trolleys, people formed a socially-distanced queue next to the new and enlarged Bumpers Lane outlet before launch at 8am on Thursday (May 21).
The unit is a replacement for the original store which was demolished last year.
The discount retailer said floor space had been less than its smallest standard model and as such was becoming inefficient to operate.
A larger store footprint was achieved by taking over the next door site previously occupied by G4S.
As well as being more spacious, the new Aldi features a 127-space car park including two electric charging points.
Due to coronavirus, there are floor markings to ensure customers keep their distance from one another. Till staff are protected by transparent screens and have the option of wearing masks and gloves.
Store manager, George Hewitt, said: “It will be lovely to welcome both new and familiar faces to the new store and provide them with Aldi’s everyday amazing products.”
Diana Smith, from Saughall, was among the first customers in the queue.
She said: “I was looking forward to seeing the new store and see the manager again. I’ve not seen him for a long time. My daughter used to work with him. I just used to come shopping here but then George went wherever he went.
“I have been going to the other Aldi but I thought, I’ll come here this morning.”
Aldi has other Chester stores in Parkgate Road and Tarvin Road, Boughton.
