Work on a new Haribo sweet shop is well underway as bosses prepare to open the first ever store in Kent.

It comes after KentOnline revealed the global confectionary giant is set to open a brand new store at the Designer Outlet in Ashford - which will be the fifth in the country and the first in the south east region.

Over the last two years, stores in Yorkshire, Cheshire, London and Somerset have opened up across the UK.

Now, customers in the county can experience the 'Happy World of Haribo' at the new 1360 sq ft store - which is set to fill an empty space in an old section of the centre.

Construction is well underway to create a pick 'n' mix wall, which will contain exclusive products imported from Haribo factories across the world.

Haribo merchandise will also be sold at the store.

It has not yet been confirmed when it will open, however bosses say that it is coming soon.

Eight new staff members have been employed at the shop.

Rebecca Fox, retail manager at Haribo said: "Our new stores have proved themselves to be much-loved additions and we’re sure that this next store will be no exception.

“There’s nothing more rewarding for us than seeing the surprise and delight in people’s faces when they step into our stores for the first time.

“People know that they will be wowed with the bright colours and a fun atmosphere, but what they often don’t expect is the mouth-watering scent of our treats, which offers an all-round immersive experience for visitors the very second they step foot inside.

“We aim to offer more than just a place to shop, but also an environment where visitors can experience those moments of childlike happiness that have become synonymous with Haribo.”

Haribo has been making sweets for almost 100 years. It operates two manufacturing facilities in West Yorkshire, which are home to more than 700 team members.

Peter Corr, centre manager at Ashford Designer Outlet, added: "Everyone loves Haribo and the feedback from our guests has only reinforced this further.

"There’s lots of excitement around the opening and we can’t wait to get inside."

Set to be completed on Thursday, November 7 - the £90 million shopping centre expansion will add 50 units to the centre and generate 500 new jobs.

As well as the new shops, 725 new car parking spaces and a £400,000 interactive children’s play area, which opened in May, have been added to the site.

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