QUEUES spread through the early morning mist in Mapperley to welcome the opening of a brand new supermarket.
Over 100 eager shoppers stood in line on Thursday to get inside the Aldi store on Woodborough Road.
Residents were enticed to the 8am unveiling with the promise of a golden ticket for the first 100 visitors, giving them a chance to win prizes after shopping at the store – including a 32" TV, portable DVD players and luxury bags of Aldi shopping.
Players from Sherwood FC's under 12s girls team – whose kit will be sponsored by the store – cut the ribbon at the grand opening, which heard music blaring out "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang to get the crowd excited.
Karma Croft, of Mapperley, was near the front of the queue.
The 34-year-old said: "I am pleased we have got a new store up here. I like the fact they have all the extra bits in the middle of the aisles which are always just what you need.
"I live just down the road from here so I'll definitely be shopping here."
But the locals were also excited by the prospect of new jobs in the area.
Aldi has already hired 50 new staff members for the store and said more jobs are on offer on its website – www.aldirecruitment.co.uk– including manager, deputy manager, store assistant and stock assistant roles.
Angela Jennings, 67, also of Mapperley, said: "We absolutely welcome the new jobs. They are needed everywhere, not just here, but it will definitely be a boost for the people."
The store has a 115-space car park and promises around 1,350 product lines.
Store manager, Lisa Jones, said: "We are looking forward to the opening of our new store in Mapperley and we're sure the local community will enjoy our grand opening celebrations.
"We're expecting to see lots of shoppers from Thursday take advantage of our opening week offers in addition to our range of products at everyday low prices."
