A new Food Warehouse store opened at Braidwater Retail Park in Ballymena on 14 April. Seventy-seven shoppers waited in line before the doors opened. Some arrived as early as 4.30am.

The opening created 23 jobs for local residents. Store manager Lisa Henry noted strong interest from shoppers. She said people queued early and encouraged visits for deals.

The retailer distributed 1500 pounds in vouchers to the first 150 customers. Raffle tickets went to those in line before 7.45am. Prizes included seven Tower Air Fryers and one Daewoo Double Drawer Air Fryer.

Five customers took part in 90-second trolley dashes to fill carts for free.

Iceland Foods chief operating officer Kristian Barrett said the store provides Ballymena residents with more access to bulk-buy offers, frozen foods, groceries, and fresh items.

Exclusive promotions run from 14 to 20 April on items such as Pepsi Max cans, toilet tissue, biscuits, laundry detergent, tea bags, water, and chocolate bars.

The store stocks multi-buy deals and exclusive ranges. It operates Monday to Saturday from 8am to 9pm and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.