The Marktkauf store in Lage experienced a dramatic event early on December 27, 2024, leading to temporary evacuations due to its fire alarm system being triggered.
According to the company, the fire alarm was set off by water damage and no fire was present. The incident, which occurred during the early morning hours, caused alerts among staff and customers alike, but thankfully, operations resumed back to normal shortly afterward.
Just hours later, on the very same date, the Marktkauf store was bursting with activity as it marked the start of the New Year festivities at midnight with the much-anticipated sale of fireworks. They had announced the event via social media, creating excitement among customers who gathered outside well before the opening time.
At precisely 0:01 AM, the doors swung open to enthusiastic shoppers who had lined up. The queue stretched about 200 meters, with eager buyers rushing inside to stock up on rockets, firecrackers, and aerial fireworks. Just five minutes after the midnight opening, some customers were already seen returning to their cars, loading their purchases with joy.
Interestingly, many of the shoppers hailed from the neighboring Netherlands, as about 30% of the vehicle plates indicated. This was likely due to the comparative affordability of fireworks at Marktkauf, as prices can be significantly higher across the border.
Throughout the evening, the presence of police and security services ensured safety within the vicinity, aimed at preventing any premature detonations of fireworks on-site. Nonetheless, there were four reported instances of fireworks being set off between midnight and 1:30 AM, which added to the excitement of the night.
By around 1 AM, the initial wave of customers began to taper off, and by 2 AM, the store was noticeably quieter with only a handful of shoppers remaining. The night was vividly captured through photographs taken during the peak activity hours, showcasing the exhilarating atmosphere surrounding the midnight sale.
This combination of unexpected alarms and celebratory sales situates Marktkauf at the heart of holiday festivities, simultaneously maintaining safety measures and catering to the revelry of local and foreign customers alike.
