EAGER shoppers with a sweet tooth queued up to be the first inside Swindon's new Haribo store.
The McArthur Glen Designer Outlet now features one of only nine UK retail spaces for the brand, which includes the country's largest Haribo pick-and-mix station as well as exclusive merchandise like plush toys, pyjamas, and advent calendars.
Entire displays are devoted to bags of Tangfastics, Starmix, Giant Strawbs, Goldbears, and Maoam, along with an assortment of Haribo varieties from around the world.
A life-sized Goldbear cut the ribbon alongside shop staff and then posed for pictures with people of all ages.
This is the moment a new #Haribo shop opened in Swindon’s Designer Outlet.
— Daniel Angelini (@Adver_Daniel) December 1, 2022
A long queue formed as people of all ages were keen to be the first customers. pic.twitter.com/BirE5wgNzh
Tansy Middleton brought her three-year-old Daisy and 19-month-old Jasper along for the occasion.
She said: "When I heard about this, I was excited for my kids but not for my bank account - it's going to cost me a fortune. Daisy likes the eggs and Jasper likes the bears.
"My eight-year-old and 11-year-old begged me to come down, and I said I would as long as they were good.
"It's a nice atmosphere, and I think this shop will bring more people to Swindon, it's definitely needed."
Sammy Wilson and her two-year-old son James looked forward to heading inside.
Sammy said: "James doesn't like many sweets but he loves Haribo, especially the giant strawberries, so this is ideal. We'll be coming here quite a lot, it's really good.
"We have family in Kent and they're visiting Swindon next year - they're looking forward to going to the Haribo shop."
The line of shoppers curved all the way around the circular communal area near Giraffe and Krispy Kreme before the store opened at 10am on Thursday.
Haribo executive Jon Hughes said: "We used to just have a shop in our West Yorkshire factory and in Pontefract itself.
"Then four years ago, we thought it would be a good idea to have more shops around the country, as we do in the rest of the world.
"Customers love coming in and seeing the full range of products, it's an exciting concept.
"Pick-and-mix is a real fan favourite and has been for a long time - we made Starmix in the '70s based on the best-selling sweets from the pick-and-mix.
"We are really grateful that people came to see what we have in-store.
"It's an exciting day for the team, customers came away with little treats for Christmas, and we hope it will work well for the outlet as an attractive destination."
A few customers were allowed in at a time to prevent the shop becoming too cramped for people to move around. Within half an hour or so, everyone in the queue had been inside and walked away smiling and carrying bags full of goodies.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon centre manager Tina Cumpstey said: "We are pleased to be opening Haribo, which will reaffirm this outlet's position as the one-stop shop for guests of all ages.
"Not only will this be a delight for children and adults alike while visiting our centre, but the new store will also contribute to creating new jobs for Wiltshire residents.
"We are pleased to add such a well-loved brand to our portfolio and look forward to witnessing the joy the new store will bring to our visitors.”
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