Inside new Haribo store at Bluewater Shopping Centre as hundreds expected to queue at opening

Haribo has opened a second store in Kent.

The confectionery giant is welcoming customers to its new shop at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe,.

Scores of sweet-toothed fans headed to the store, which is next to Body Shop in the Lower Rose Gallery, as they tried to get their hands on goodie bags handed out to the first 50 customers on opening day.

The new branch, which will be Haribo’s 11th UK store, features its iconic blue and red-yellow branding throughout.

Shelves are stacked with familiar favourites, as well as giant gift packs and merchandise.

There are also sections featuring global favourites, Nostalgix sweets which were released last month and other items not available at supermarkets.

Becky Fox, head of retail for Haribo UK, said: “We’ve been opening stores over the last seven or eight years so Bluewater was a natural choice – clearly it’s one of the best shopping centres across the UK so it was an easy decision.

“All of this store is brand new so we have digital elements, digital screens, we have got a huge international selection and a photo opportunity where people come in, take their photos and share with friends.

“The biggest part of this store is all about the pick your mix station – I’m sure it will be the biggest and best we have seen yet.”

As well as gift bags up for grabs, visitors will be chosen at random and will win surprise giveaways throughout opening week.

Becky said: “Customers can expect a lot of fun, a lot of smiles and just some real enjoyment.

“As you come into the store you will be greeted by our friendly team and the smell of the sweets will hit you to start with.”

Retail area manager Simon Kennedy added: “It’s going to be a great experience – we’re looking forward to welcoming all of our customers.”

News of the Bluewater store was first announced in November.

It will be the second branch in the county, with the other at Ashford Designer Outlet.

The latest development in a recent shake-up of stores at Bluewater follows the success of Haribo’s Hide n Seekers pop-up event in 2023 which saw it host the UK’s biggest ball pit at the shopping complex.

An opening date for the shop was later released at the beginning of this month.

Haribo will be open at Bluewater Monday to Friday from 10am to 9pm.

On Saturdays, it will open an hour earlier and shut at the same time as weekdays.

On Sundays, customers will be able to get their sweet treat fix from 11am to 5pm.