Champion rower pulls in the crowds for store opening
More than 70 keen shoppers braved the autumn chill to take a look at Maidstone’s newest Aldi supermarket.
The budget superstore hosted Team GB athlete Frances Houghton for its grand opening at the Langley Park Centre in Laight Road last Thursday .
She was joined by Kevin the Carrot, company mascot and the star of the chain’s 2016 hit Christmas advert.
Members of The Young Lives Foundation, a local children’s charity, helped Frances cut the ribbon and received a trolley full of sports equipment and festive gifts for their clients.
Meanwhile, lucky shopper Daphne Lux won a £100 voucher to spend on Christmas dinner, while 100 others received crackers with a chance to win special prizes.
Brad Turnbull, store manager, said: “It was great to see every-
‘Everyone was in high spirits, looking fantastic in their Kevin the Carrot hats’
one pulling their Kevin the Carrot crackers and putting on their hats.
“We’re so glad we can help make the competition winners’ Christmas and we hope everyone enjoys the new store!”
Frances added: “It’s really got me in the festive mood! Everyone was in high spirits, looking fantastic in their Kevin the Carrot hats. I’ve had so much fun this morning!
“It was great to meet the excitable shoppers of Maidstone, eager to get their hands on a Kevin the Carrot cracker – I was living not far from here when I first made the Great Britain team so I’m delighted to be back as part of the opening ceremony, I have some great memories here.”
The new store is abut 1,250sqm, with space for 111 cars.
It’s open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 10pm and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.
About 40 jobs were created at the site, which forms part of the Taylor Wimpey’s 600 home Langley Park development.