![Reading Festival has laid out its Look Out For The Planet pledge ahead of its return next week, bringing measures set to promote sustainability. Picture: Luke Dyson [LukeDyson.com]](https://wokingham.today/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Img1871502-360x180.jpg)
IT’S OPEN!
The first store in the new Elms Field development opened its doors at 8am this morning (Thursday, July 11) – and among the early customers was the executive member for regeneration.
Special guest was Olympic rugby player Daniel Bibby who cut the ribbon to declare the store open for business. The silver medalist at the 2016 Olympics also took time to meet with shoppers as they were queuing up.
He was joined by borough mayor Cllr Bill Soane and the new store manager Craig Breadmore, who has transferred from the Earley store which opened last year.
There were a number of special opening day offers and the first customers could be seen leaving the store clutching hoverboard, power tools, digital cameras and unicorn rockers.
The first 30 customers through the door received a complimentary bag of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s Super 6 range.
First in the queue were Lesley Pearson from Wokingham and Elaine Eddy from Finchampstead.
They were excited with the store opening in the town centre.
Ms Eddy said: “We got here at 7.15am.
“It’s great it’s here, the one in Bracknell is too far to travel to.
“The products are great, especially the fresh vegetables.”
The range also impressed Cllr Charlotte Haitham-Taylor, the executive member for regeneration.
“I’m absolutely excited that the store has opened, there has been a fantastic crowd waiting to get in and I’m going to get in behind them and go and buy something.”
And Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Soane added: “It’s a lovely store, it’s bright and there’s a good range of products, as well as those weekly offers.
“There are some brilliant, enthusiastic staff, some of whom have transferred from the Reading stores.
“I might actually start shopping,” he joked.
“It’s a great asset to Wokingham and Elms Field regeneration. We’re just waiting for the new cinema and hotel, it’s all looking great.”
The store is open from 8am to 10pm six days a week and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays and the camera controlled car park allows up to 90 minutes parking.
The new Elms Field play park is expected to open within the next couple of weeks, just in time for the school holidays.
![Reading Festival has laid out its Look Out For The Planet pledge ahead of its return next week, bringing measures set to promote sustainability. Picture: Luke Dyson [LukeDyson.com]](https://wokingham.today/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Img1871502-120x86.jpg)
