A local couple have made it their mission to visit every Asda store in Northern Ireland.
Lisburn pair Mervyn and Mabel Montgomery, who are both aged 79, have been to 14 out of the 16 Asda stores here and are looking forward to buying their groceries in the remaining two.
The couple, who've been married for 55 years and have a daughter Alison, usually go shopping at Asda twice a week – and they've been doing so since the first store opened in NI in 2005.
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Mervyn said: "We mostly rotate around the stores in Antrim, Portadown, Downpatrick , Ballyclare, Newtownards, Cookstown, Belfast Shore Road and Ballyclare, but we've also visited Coleraine, Kilkeel, Bangor, Westwood, Dundonald. We went to Asda Enniskillen, which is about 75 miles from us, when we were staying in the area. We also go to Asda Living in Belfast. The ones on our ‘to do’ list are Omagh and Strabane, but we'll get to them probably when we go in that direction for a holiday."
Mervyn explained why they were big fans of Asda and said: "It's because of the quality and the value," he said.
"We don't think it's as expensive as other stores. And all the staff are so helpful and friendly – we've never come across staff anywhere as friendly as the Asda staff. No matter where we go or what location it's in the colleagues are always so friendly.
"We go mainly for our groceries plus homeware and the George clothing range. We also like the wine department," Mervyn added.
On a recent visit to the Asda Cookstown store, Mervyn and Mabel met the store's Community Champion, Janice Gibson and Store Manager, Peter Beckett.
Mervyn continued: "Janice was interested in hearing about our shopping experiences with Asda, and we gave her all the past details of the various Asda stores we have shopped in over many years. It was one of the most memorable and enjoyable shopping experiences we both have had."
Peter said it was a pleasure to meet the couple. He added: "I'm delighted to hear the comments of two great customers like Mervyn and Mabel. It's great to hear their story about going round the stores and seeing all the good things that Asda does for the customers on service and availability and everything else we try to do. It made me proud to listen to them. It's a great story.
"The one thing I think about Asda is that the colleagues are relaxed. We like to have a bit of fun in our store, and I think that came across to them when Mervyn and Mabel came in. The colleagues were really engaging with them.
"They've only got two stores to visit on their list, so I hope they're soon able tick them off to complete the set."
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