More than 300 people eagerly waited in line last Thursday morning for the grand opening of the new Aldi supermarket located on Route 17 near Fox Mill Centre in Gloucester.

Some said they came for a chance to take home a gift card, while some said they have shopped at other Aldi stores and wanted to try their hand at bargains in the local store.

“I love Aldi, “said Barbara Wiener of Gloucester. Wiener said she shopped there when she lived in New Jersey, and likes the good quality products and good prices.

Her granddaughter Ariana Dragone of Gloucester said she remembers shopping at Aldi when she was young, with her family purchasing big bags of cereal.

Austin Gower of Newport News said he had shopped at an Aldi in Mechanicsville near Richmond and likes the new store.

The first 100 people waiting in line each received a gift card, with several of them receiving $100 cards, said district manager Naadira Moyston. Customers could register for a chance to win a year’s ...