Lidl opens the doors to its new store – here’s what the first customers thought

CUSTOMERS were able to enjoy a host of new offers at the opening of a new Lidl store.
(l-r) Lorraine Reynolds, John Blackmore, Grant Page, Zeki Meydan, store manager, Helena Hayden, Samual Leach, Adam Reeves and Georgie Price, with (front l-r) Joseph Clarke (4) and Harry Clarke (6) from Whiteley. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7740)(l-r) Lorraine Reynolds, John Blackmore, Grant Page, Zeki Meydan, store manager, Helena Hayden, Samual Leach, Adam Reeves and Georgie Price, with (front l-r) Joseph Clarke (4) and Harry Clarke (6) from Whiteley. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7740)
(l-r) Lorraine Reynolds, John Blackmore, Grant Page, Zeki Meydan, store manager, Helena Hayden, Samual Leach, Adam Reeves and Georgie Price, with (front l-r) Joseph Clarke (4) and Harry Clarke (6) from Whiteley. Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7740)

The new store, on Rookery Avenue in Whiteley, was officially unveiled to customers at a ribbon cutting ceremony which included free refreshments and tastings.

Customers could also benefit from an opening offer of an additional free item when spending £20.

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Sandra and Chris Turner from Titchfield Common, attended the opening ceremony and believe the new store will be popular.

(l-r) Lorraine Reynolds, John Blackmore, Grant Page, Zeki Meydan, store manager, Helena Hayden, Samual Leach, Adam Reeves and Georgie Price, with (front l-r) Joseph Clarke (4) and Harry Clarke (6) from Whiteley. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7740)(l-r) Lorraine Reynolds, John Blackmore, Grant Page, Zeki Meydan, store manager, Helena Hayden, Samual Leach, Adam Reeves and Georgie Price, with (front l-r) Joseph Clarke (4) and Harry Clarke (6) from Whiteley. 

Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7740)
(l-r) Lorraine Reynolds, John Blackmore, Grant Page, Zeki Meydan, store manager, Helena Hayden, Samual Leach, Adam Reeves and Georgie Price, with (front l-r) Joseph Clarke (4) and Harry Clarke (6) from Whiteley. Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7740)

Sandra said: ‘Lidl has a good selection of products and all at a competitive price. Our daughter lives in the area and so we will make a point of shopping here when visiting her.’

For Chris, one of the big appeals is the range of specialist items available at the store.

‘We have purchased a massage chair for our son and screwdriver set for our son-in-law,’ he said. ‘One of the big appeals of the store is the range of non-grocery items on offer. We got the massage chair for half price. I am sure we will become regular shoppers at the store.’

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For Whiteley resident, Sandra Green, the new store brings added retail competition and convenience.

Sandra, 59, and Chris Turner, 66, from Titchfield Common hope to become regular customers at the new store.
Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7743)Sandra, 59, and Chris Turner, 66, from Titchfield Common hope to become regular customers at the new store.
Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7743)
Sandra, 59, and Chris Turner, 66, from Titchfield Common hope to become regular customers at the new store. Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7743)

‘We were initially consulted on whether the store should be built,’ she said. ‘I know there were some objections but I supported the development. The new store is really convenient and I will make it part of my routine to shop there after swimming. I particularly like the new bakery and the Lidl magazine about the various offers and products.’

Sandra hopes the new store will lead to a price war in Whiteley.

‘For a long time Tesco’s has been the main local shop and so it will be good to have some competition which can hopefully lead to some food offers and deals,’ added Sandra.  

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In addition to providing a new shopping outlet, the store has also created 40 new jobs.

Sandra Green hopes that increased retail competition will lead to lower prices.
Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7757)Sandra Green hopes that increased retail competition will lead to lower prices.
Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7757)
Sandra Green hopes that increased retail competition will lead to lower prices. Picture: Sarah Standing (310119-7757)

Regional head of property, James Mitchell, said: ‘We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing this new Lidl store to Whiteley. It is great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area and we can’t wait to start serving our multi-award winning products to the local community.’