It's an Aldi thing! What to know about the latest grocery store to open in Gardner
It was a celebration of all things Aldi in the Chair City on Thursday.
Over 100 shoppers braved the slippery roads, freezing rain and windy conditions to be among the first in line as the national grocery store chain celebrated the grand opening of its new location at Timpany Plaza in Gardner. A ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by local officials, was held prior to the store’s doors officially opening at 9 a.m.
Store officials were not surprised that so many customers turned out in weather that had toppled trees, knocked out power, and canceled school across the region for the official opening of the supermarket.
“This is pretty consistent with any of our openings, even in adverse weather,” said Patrick McDermott, director of operations for New England. “Any time we have a new store open, it always creates excitement in the community.”
The location will employ about 15 full- and part-time workers, according to Aldi representatives.
Chris Daniels, divisional vice president, said the turnout is an indication that residents are excited to shop at the chain, which is dedicated to saving people money by offering shoppers a curated selection of Aldi-exclusive brands. He added that Timpany Plaza is a great spot for the chain’s newest location.
“We’re on a main corridor right here, the plaza is growing with a Chipotle and Five Below coming in, and then you’ve got Walmart down the street,” he said. “And it’s easy access for the local customers here in Gardner.”
Loyal customers wait hours to be first in line
At the front of the line waiting to get in was Adam Bell of Gardner. He said he arrived about two hours before the doors opened.
“I live right down the street so I just came over for savings and quality goods, and Aldi provides both,” Bell said. “I usually go to (Aldi in) Leominster or Keene, so them opening here is just so convenient.”
Mayor Michael Nicholson said the line of customers waiting to get in demonstrated that there is a great demand for an Aldi in the community, and that the city is a welcoming place for new businesses.
“Everyone is always skeptical at first as to whether a new business is going to take and be successful, and here we are showing that the community is here literally waiting in line for the doors to open for the first time,” Nicholson said. “I’m really excited to see Aldi come here, and I’m looking forward to having them as a strong community partner in the future.”
'Unexpected products' available
In addition to the Aldi-exclusive brands, the chain recently added a limited selection of national brands to its inventory in response to feedback from customers. Representatives said certain stores may also carry a national brand if owners are unable to procure an exclusive brand product.
It’s not just food that’s available at Aldi. A quick look at the flyer shows a variety of what store representatives call “unexpected products,” including patio furniture, clothing, an electric pressure washer, cutting boards, and an outdoor fire pit.
More: Gardner is booming with new businesses - here's when some famous franchises will be opening
What to know when you go
There are a few things customers should know before shopping at Aldi. First, have a quarter ready. A 25-cent deposit to use a shopping cart allows the chain to reduce costs by not having to hire extra staff to collect grocery carts in the parking lot. The deposit provides shoppers with a financial incentive to return their cart to the corral and get their quarter back.
The store also encourages shoppers to bring their own shopping bags or purchase a reusable Aldi bag to be environmentally friendly and to save money by avoiding the added cost of bags to its prices.
The store also offers grocery delivery and curbside pickup.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Aldi grocery store opens in Gardner MA at Timpany Plaza, Five Below next
