STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Barney Robinson loves Aldi. So, when he heard that a new location was opening in New Dorp, the Bath Beach resident packed a bag, crossed the Verrazzano and hopped in line at 4 a.m. on Thursday in anticipation of the discount grocer’s grand-opening events. He was the first shopper to enter the store, and received a $100 gift card for his efforts.
“I’ve been traveling to the store in Green Acres, so the trip to Staten Island is easy,” the Brooklyn resident said. “I just love what they have to offer and thought it would be fun to camp out.”
He brought his Aldi stool, his Aldi tote bag and even wore an Aldi bucket hat. A few other shoppers joined him just before 6 a.m.
“It’s nice to see a little life coming back to this shopping plaza,” said Thomas Ciotola of New Dorp, who arrived right after sunrise with Chau Hang. “We discovered Aldi while attending college in Florida, love the products, love the prices. Glad there is one in the neighborhood now.”
Luz Quinones of South Beach, who hopped in line at 7:15 a.m., agreed…