Shoppers flock to new bargain store (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Shoppers flock to new bargain store in St Albans

2:17pm Thursday 17th February 2011 in News By Neil Skinner

HUNDREDS of eager bargain hunters stood patiently in line this morning before bursting through the doors of a new 99p shop in St Albans city centre.

Shoppers young and old jostled for position as the shop, part of the nationwide 99p Stores chain, opened in St Peters Street – next door to a more established £1 shop.

The typical peace and quiet of a Thursday morning was then broken by loud pop music and professional entertainer Ian Gee, who engaged passers-by with a series of game-show style challenges.

Inside, shoppers grabbed bargains by the bagful, including toasters and kettles for just 99p.

Before the opening, parents and pupils from Maple Primary School enjoyed a Supermarket Sweep-style raid on the shelves, with all proceeds – including an additional £250 voucher – going to the school.

Commercial manager Hussein Lalani, reacting to suggestions that discount stores were unwelcome in St Albans, described its opening as “a sign of the times”.

He added: “Everybody is having to trim their budgets at the moment, even people in St Albans. Our shops are providing a solution to people’s problems.

“We have been looking to open a shop here for a long time and feel that now is the right time.”

Bill and Hillary Green, who had travelled from Marshalswick, agreed. Mr Green said: “Anything that draws people towards this end of town can only be a good thing.”

What do you think? Do you welcome discount stores or are they unwelcome in St Albans? Let us know by commenting below.