German supermarket chain Aldi have opened their first store on the Isle of Wight today (Thursday).
Shoppers queued at the newly-built Cowes store located on Three Gates Road for the 08:00 opening, kept warm by breakfast rolls and tea supplied by the company.
For one keen local it was an extra long wait, as Ray Wickett took his place at the front of the queue at 00:20 this morning, waiting an incredible 8 hours to be the first member of the public through the doors. Luck was on Ray’s side this morning as he was given the first Golden Ticket and won a 40″ HD television! Golden Tickets were handed out to the first 200 people in line with a variety of prizes for all, from televisions to cookers, wine to cookies.
Speaking to Island Echo, Mr Wickett explained how it was a mild night overall so it wasn’t too cold for him as he sat outside the store near to Somerton Business Park, but it was worth the wait for the incredible prize he won by chance.
The ribbon was cut by Store Manager Lee Illman and local schoolboy Michael, who was celebrating his birthday today.
Aldi is open Monday – Saturday between 08:00 and 21:00 and Sundays between 10:00 and 16:00.