£30 goodybag awaits first 1,000 Holt Budgens customers

CT Baker, which owns the store, said it would give goodie bags worth £30 to the first 1,000 customers when it opens on Thursday, March 30.

Sandra Taylor-Meeds, store manager, said: “We are thrilled to be opening our new grocery store and can’t wait to start serving the people of Holt in our new surroundings. 

The fire which destroyed Holt's former Budgens supermarket on June 20, 2020 (Image: Lee Smith)

“This shop has been such an important asset for the residents here and the launch of this new building is sure to make a real difference.”

The town’s previous Budgens supermarket was destroyed by fire on April 20, 2020. The blaze was caused by an electrical fault. 

The new supermarket is being built by contractors Havercroft Construction on the old store’s footprint in Kerridge Way, while CT Baker runs a temporary supermarket in part of the car park.

Sandra Taylor-Meeds, Holt Budgens store manager (Image: Denise Bradley)

Construction began in November 2021, and it was originally hoped the new supermarket would be open far sooner.

CT Baker said factors that caused delays in getting supplies included the war in Ukraine, the Suez Canal blockage and the Covid pandemic.

Carl Milton, CT Baker’s managing director, said: “Since joining the CT Baker Group in 2007, Budgens of Holt’s values of local life has never been so important.

"We’ve continued our long-standing relationships with Norfolk suppliers throughout our time at the pop-up store, and we look forward to showcasing them on our opening weekend.”

A branch of the Post Office will open inside the new supermarket to replace the temporary branch at the town’s Bakers and Larners department store since the fire.

The first visitors to the new store will also get the chance to win their shopping for free, and the first day of opening will feature local produce tastings.

The temporary supermarket will close at 3pm on March 29.