A NEW shopping experience came to the district on Thursday with the opening of Lidl's new store in Garrell Road, Kilsyth. http://www.cumbernauld-news.co.uk/news/Lidl-opens-its-doors-to.870036.jp
And shoppers were already queuing on Thursday morning before the opening ceremony, which was performed by Councillor Jean Jones, who represents the area on North Lanarkshire Council, and Wilf Paterson of W Paterson (F.M.) Ltd, whose factory formerly occupied the site. As our picture shows, both cut a ribbon and the doors were thrown open to the public. There were goody bags for the first 20 shoppers, (pictured) and plenty of first day bargains.
The store took only 18 weeks to build. It is part of a German-owned group, the fourth-largest retailer in Europe, and the Kilsyth store, along with one recently-opened in Carfin, is their biggest in Scotland.
Manager is Stephen McCracken, and a staff of 20 is employed, all locals.
Lidl offers a no frills shopping experience which enables the company to sell quality products at very cheap prices. Products are displayed in cartons and a mixture of shelves and pallets, keeping operational and administrative costs to a minimum
Fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered daily, and weekly specials go on sale on a one-off basis every Monday and Thursday. This could be kitchen ware, clothing, footwear, DIY, or electrical and entertainment products. There are also weekly promotions.
Property manager Nicola Cameron said Lidl would provide local people with a greater choice and range of products, helping to keep people shopping locally.
"We will complement the existing range of shops in Kilsyth as there are certain products we don't do, enabling other retailers to specialise in other goods and services," she said.
Lidl hope this will prevent people shopping out of town. They want to attract people in from outside, thereby boosting trade in Kilsyth.
Mr Paterson commented: "It is a very great pleasure for me to attend the opening of this very impressive new Lidl store on 'Paterson's Corner'. I'm sure it will be a great asset to the people of Kilsyth and to the surrounding area generally.
"In the 26 years that our company has traded from the site, we have built up a great affection for Kilsyth, and the many Kilsyth people we have employed. It is therefore very satisfying to see the supermarket restoring the site for the benefit of all, and we wish Lidl every success."
Councillor Jones said she was "very impressed with the bright cheerful store, and the enhanced shopping opportunities for local people."
# Lidl has, through the News and Chronicle, offered its apologies to Councillor Tom Barrie for inadvertently omitting him from the opening ceremony. The company asked Councillor Jean Jones, as local member, to cut the tape, but Councillor Barrie, as a member of the planning committee, supported the plans vigorously.
|