By Grace Manthey and Thamar Bailey
Where Hamden community members used to find a seasonal Halloween store, they will now find an up in coming supermarket. Aldi opened its doors for the first time on Thursday, April 12 on Dixwell Avenue, marking the company’s 26th location in Connecticut.
The first 100 customers received a golden envelope with a gift card.
Hamden resident and Quinnipiac University alumnus Paula Santagata wasn’t one of the first 100 customers. However, having been to Aldi stores in both Wallingford and East Haven, she was excited to have the store closer to home.
“The prices are very good and it’s clean and it’s a good competition,” Santagata said.
Santagata’s husband Tony also appreciated the addition of another store for competition. He said it helps keep the prices down so people can, “make a living.”
“You’ve gotta live within your means and this works for us. Nobody walks in my house hungry and leaves the same way. So these stores work and I’m happy, I’ve still got money in my pocket,” he said.
Aldi is involved in sustainability initiatives, so they encourage customers to bring their own bags or buy reusable bags upon checkout.
The store is open every day 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.