In a scene somewhat reminiscent of Black Friday — the big shopping event on the day after Thanksgiving — shoppers turned out en masse Thursday, Aug. 10, for the opening of the Aldi supermarket in Orange City.
Shoppers began showing up before dawn, and the number grew quickly — well in advance of the previously planned 8:30 a.m. opening.
“We expected about 20 or 30, but there was about 100-plus, which is a testament of how many people wanted Aldi,” Ernest Butt, manager of the Orange City store said.
Aldi refitted the space at 963 Harley Strickland Blvd., formerly occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond.
Those who came super-early were welcomed with discount coupons, free shopping bags and gift cards.
Aldi is a German grocery chain, which has stores around the world. Aldi’s U.S. headquarters are in Batavia, Illinois.