The first 100 shoppers through the doors of a new Haribo store in Ashford will be in with the chance of receiving an exclusive goody bag.

A "special guest" is also set to make an appearance at the opening of county's first store at Ashford Designer Outlet.

Work is underway to transform a 1360 sq ft store - which is positioned in an old section of the centre next to Lindt - ahead of the opening at 11am on Thursday, November 21.

It is one of five Haribo sweet shops in the country, as stores have opened up in Yorkshire, Cheshire, London and Somerset in the past two years.

A pick 'n' mix wall is set to be installed and filled with exclusive products imported from Haribo factories across the world.

Eight new members of staff have been employed to work at the shop - which will also be selling Haribo merchandise.

Rebecca Fox, retail manager at Haribo, said: “It’s great fun to open the doors to one of our shops for the very first time and to witness the surprise and delight on guest’s faces when they experience ‘The Happy World of Haribo’.

“Shoppers in both Kent and beyond can expect a feast for the senses with delicious aromas and a kaleidoscope of bright colours courtesy of our ‘famous’ Pick ‘n’ Mix wall and array of tasty treats and popular merchandise.

“We’re now excitedly counting down the days until we can bring that unique experience to Ashford.”

Last week, outlet centre bosses cut the ribbon on the £90 million expansion - which has seen 50 new units, a children's playground and enlarged food piazza added to the shopping centre.

Big-brands including Five Guys, YO! Sushi, Dr. Martens, UGG and Armani have opened at the centre - with more announcements expected between now and the new year.

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