Plenty of people enjoyed the novelty of the new store, live coverage from 3AW and plenty of giveaways.
Hourly trolley dashes kept customers entertained as winners scurried to fill their trolley full of free groceries.
Customers were able to see Melbourne’s 3AW, who set up in front of the store, for its Saturday broadcast from 6am to 6pm with hosts Darren James, Jane Edmanson and Tom Elliott.
Barrel-drawn giveaways were broadcast live with customers and visitors in the running for the opportunity to win $200 worth of fuel vouchers and other goodies.
Darrell Lea show bags were also given away as part of the 3AW program and Ritchies prepared showbags especially for the promotion of local produce.
Ritchies CEO Fred Harrison spent the day at the new store and highlighted the store’s aim to help promote local produce.
“The wide range of locally made products in the Yarra Valley had a vital place on the shelves of the brand-new store and a dedicated area had been set aside to highlight regional products to tourists and locals,” Mr Harrison said.
Ritchies also has a Community Benefit Card program for customers, which donates one cent from every dollar to the charity or community group of their choice.
A draw was also started on the day that gave customers the chance to win a Hyundai Getz. The competition will be drawn on 21 March.