FLEMING ISLAND— Bustling traffic. A packed parking lot. And a line of more than 300 customers eagerly waiting to enter.

The grand opening of Aldi at 1545 County Road 220 on Thursday, June 26, was a long-awaited moment for patrons and employees alike.

The early morning was marked with broad smiles and anticipation as the store hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, snipping away the final barrier that had kept customers away since the former Winn-Dixie store began its transformation process last year.

The 51,733-square-foot building housed shelves filled with products and freezers stocked with goods, all awaiting the moment when customers began their shopping experience.

While some arrived just before the doors opened around 9 a.m., some had been waiting in a line that stretched far beyond the store’s entrance from as early as around 3 a.m. Take Mickey Hall and Josette Joseph, who arrived at 3:15 a.m. and 7:15 a.m., respectively.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

Why? The main reason is the giveaways. Although the store was open for a sneak peek on June 25, grand opening day was set apart by gifting the first 100 customers not only a bag of Aldi goodies, but a golden ticket worth up to $100. Additionally, customers received a complimentary Aldi tote bag.

 The day also marked the beginning of the store’s $500 gift card giveaway. Until June 29, customers could scan a code inside the store to enter the contest.

Kearston Dunn was number 35 in line. She said she had been waiting since 6 a.m.

“I knew that [if] you’re giving out money towards groceries in this economy, [there’s] going to be a lot of people,” she said.

Dunn walked away with her golden ticket, only worth $10, but she said it was still more than what she came with. She moved to Green Cove Springs from St. Louis, Missouri, five years ago. She said the closest Aldi was on Blanding Boulevard. The new store will now be her go-to.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

“I’m not going to pass a Walmart, Winn-Dixie and Publix just to go to [an] Aldi. So, now that it’s here in Fleming Island, I can come right here and shop,” she said.

Although the crowds of people proved that the store’s opening was a success, there continue to be mixed reactions, some praising the store’s low prices and high-quality products, while others criticize its smaller size and fewer options.

One thing customers can agree on, however, is to always pack a quarter and a tote for the best shopping experience. 

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD