Aldi property manager Amanda Young told the Gazette more than 50 people waited outside for the doors to open at 9am, despite the wet weather.

“Even though it was a rainy morning, it was good to see smiles on everyone’s faces,” she said.

Shoppers filed in throughout the day to take a look and familiarise themselves with an important addition to Katoomba’s retailing hub.

Karyn Birrell took her granddaughter Arabella to the new supermarket on opening day and told the Gazette she was impressed.

“It’s great — I used to go to Lithgow to do my shopping but now I'll come to Katoomba.”