VIDEO: Olympic gold medallist opens new Aldi store in Skegness

More than 100 eager customers waited outside in the light rain this morning to see Olympic gold medallist and MBE Shona McCallin host the grand opening of the store on the Quora Retail Park in Burgh Road,

For Shona, from Grantham, coming to Skegness was a trip down memory lane. She said: “I’m really delighted to be opening the Aldi store in Skegness. I used to come to Skegness on holiday so have lots of happy memories here. I’ve been in the area visiting schools and I’m here today with my grandma and we are hoping to go and have a look around later.”

The women’s hockey team member at the 2016 Games in Rio took part in a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside store manager Shaun Bolland.

There to promote Aldi’s Super 6 fruit and vegetable offer, Shona said: “Aldi were the first official supermarket partner for team GB for the Rio Games and now Tokyo.

“For the 600 Team GB athletes in training, our food bill is enormous outlay for us so the vouchers are a huge help.”

Volunteers from the Skegness RNLI were also there to receive a donation, as part of the store’s commitment to supporting the local community.

Coxwain Richard Watson said: “It’s nice to be here and that Aldi recognise what we do in the community.”

Store Manager Shaun Bolland was delighted with the turnout. He said: “As this is Skegness’ first Aldi, we thought we might attract some big crowds, but we were blown away by the reception we had today. It was brilliant to see so many local shoppers turn out to get their hands on our fantastic products, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the coming weeks and months.”

However, for the customers the grand opening was all about the deals, with the first 30 getting a complimentary bag full of fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s Super 6 range.

Sharon Parnham, from Skegness, said: “I live down the road and I’ve been really excited watching the store being built. I’ve managed to get a microwave for £34 today so I’m really pleased.”

Gemma King, from Leicester, has a caravan at Southview Holiday Park in Skegness, and shops at Aldi when she is home. She said: “I’m really pleased they have one here now. Some people have been queuing since 7am.”

For Team GB European Duathlon bronze medallist John Caborn, from Burgh le Marsh, the opening was a chance to chat to Shona and get some training tips. He said: “She told me she has 10 training sessions a week, twice a day for four days, then goes swimming on her day off. I’m definitely not doing enough.”

If you have yet to visit the store, opening times are Mondays to Saturdays 8am to 10pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm.