Aldi launched its first store in Caterham on July 10, in a grand opening that saw Team GB artistic swimmer and Paris 2024 silver medallist Kate Shortman cut the ribbon alongside pupils from Marden Lodge Primary School.
The store is managed by Besjana and supported by a team of 28 colleagues from the surrounding community.
“It was an honour to officially open the store and welcome customers inside for the first time.
“It was great to speak with the children at Marden Lodge Primary School about the importance of eating healthily and how it can be fun to plan and prepare meals as a family.
“Hopefully I’ve also managed to inspire the pupils to keep active and try different sports.”
As part of the launch, Ms Shortman gave away free bags of fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s Super 6 range to the first 30 customers.
She also delivered an assembly at Marden Lodge Primary School as part of Aldi’s Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which encourages children aged five to 14 to learn about healthy eating and cooking fresh meals.
She also announced the winner of a healthy eating poster competition, with the winning pupil receiving a £20 Aldi gift voucher to spend at the new store.
Store manager Besjana said: “It’s been a wonderful morning here at the opening of Aldi Caterham.
“It was lovely to welcome our new customers into store, and I look forward to meeting more of the community in the coming weeks.
“I’m also thrilled that we’ve been able to support Marden Lodge Primary School through our partnership with Team GB.”
The store features large chillers and freezers stocked with fresh, British meat, a dedicated ‘Food to Go’ section, and a health and beauty aisle.
Shoppers can also browse the ‘Aisle of Aldi’ for the retailer’s popular Specialbuys, available every Thursday and Sunday.
Promotions during opening week include a gas pizza oven for £69.99, a three-piece garden tool set for £16.99, and an extendable rake for £5.49.
Aldi is also encouraging local charities and food banks in Caterham to register with Neighbourly, a community platform that connects businesses with nearby charitable organisations.
Registered charities can collect surplus food and perishable items, such as fruit, vegetables, and baked goods, seven days a week.
Charities interested in partnering with the store can email aldi@neighbourly.com.
The new Aldi is located at 381 Caterham Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 6PN.
Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 8am to 10pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
More information on Aldi’s store jobs and applications can be found on the company’s website.
