Green Valley Customer Wins Shopping Spree

Christmas came early for Pasadena resident Kara Frazier, who won an 88-second shopping spree at Green Valley Marketplace.

Though the grocery store is still relatively new to Pasadena, the family-owned group of Maryland stores started with the Elkridge location in 2011. To celebrate the store’s birthday, managers held drawings and contests for the eighth anniversary “sale-a-bration.” Frazier entered a drawing at the store to win the grand prize, which included the shopping spree and a $500 check.

“It was shocking that I won,” Frazier said.

Frazier was notified of her win a few days in advance of the November 16 shopping spree. Dressed in athletic gear and sneakers, Frazier gathered as many items as she could in 88 seconds.

There were some limitations, however. She could take only two of the same item, and some merchandise was excluded, such as gift cards, medicine and floral pieces.

Frazier said her strategy during the shopping frenzy was twofold: to help family and to select items that would last the longest.

“I wanted get items for my parents for everything they've done for me,” she said after the shopping spree. “I also bought a ham for Christmas for my grandmother and a turkey for my cousin who is hosting Thanksgiving.”

She also gathered meats because of their value and because they can be frozen. In addition to meat, she picked up several cleaning items and toiletries.

Frazier said the 88 seconds went quickly. Even surrounded by family and her fiancé, who came to support her, the experience was intense.

“I was shaking the entire time,” she said.

She spent the time in only two aisles and the meat section. In total, she amassed 44 items worth $327. Frazier has been impressed with the overall friendliness of the new grocery shore.

“They have been welcoming to the community,” she shared, adding that the store manager and employees were present during her shopping spree to cheer her on.

After the shopping spree, Frazier was surprised one more time when the grocery store presented her with a $500 check. She had not been told of the cash prize when she was called about being the winner of the shopping spree.

As a lifelong Pasadena resident, Frazier said she had been going to Lauer’s all her life. Now she is excited to be a customer of its replacement.

“The store’s generosity encourages me to continue to support the local Green Valley Marketplace,” she said.