(L-R) Store owners, Kathy Heywood and Scott Rowland with Ann Gottsche and her shopping cart of free groceries.

Hub Staff

Seven lucky customers received a welcome surprise at Rowland's Your Independent Grocer in Port Elgin today.

Just after 1 p.m., the store's checkouts were roped off and the lucky winners were told that they didn't have to pay for whatever groceries they had in their shopping cart.

Store owner, Scott Rowland explained the Market Moments event is a country wide customer appreciation promotion by parent company Loblaws and it runs twice a year. “It's pretty exciting,” said Rowland, adding that as well as free samples, giveaways, coffee and cupcakes for customers, selected stores are chosen at random to participate in the giving away of free groceries. “We're one of those stores that were selected,” said Rowland.

He explained that at a certain time the checkouts are roped off and those about to pay for their groceries are told that everything, up to $250, is free.

“I'm flabbergasted,” said Erica Rossignol of Southampton, one of the lucky winners who had her $83 grocery bill cancelled out. “I've never won anything."

“That's awesome,” said Ann Gottsche from Port Elgin, another winner who said she's a regular at the store, leaving this time without having to pay for her $162.87 worth of groceries. “This is the best surprise,” she said.

“It feels great,” said Rowland after the free groceries giveaway. “The customers are all very appreciative, surprised. We know a lot of them, we see them here every day. It's great to award customers that are loyal.”

The total combined giveaway rang in at $622.40.

Erica Rossignol (L), with cashier Michele Garant, was surprised to find out that she wouldn't be paying for her groceries today at Rowland's Your Independent Grocer.

Carla Dunlop (L) and Scott Rowland fire confetti over the lucky shoppers.