"We wanted to reflect our commitment to connecting with the area and inviting the schools to be part of our opening event was a natural choice."
Shoppers will find plenty to like about the new store says Shaun, "It's a brand new building which immediately makes the shopping experience enjoyable, and customers will find we offer an extended range of apparel and kitchenware at competitive prices giving them more options without having to head out of town."
Competitive pricing is something the Countdown brand prides itself on, he adds "along with availability, quality and freshness".
Mayor Neil Volzke opened the store, saying "this is a big deal for Stratford, a really big deal". The new supermarket has many benefits for the town says Neil.
Not only does it give more choice to our shoppers, but it will stop some of the leakage out of town that occurs when people go out of district to grocery shop.
Other benefits for the local community come through employment opportunities says Neil. "One of the best things you can offer a person is a job." Neil also identifies the boost to the local economy, "not just from the original $15 million investment, but from the vote of confidence that gives Stratford that other businesses and investors will pay attention to".
Once the formalities were over, and the ribbon cut by the mayor, the doors opened, letting in the shoppers who had patiently waited outside.
One of the first through the doors was Kylie Cory. "I often go to New Plymouth to shop so this is going to save me time and petrol." Kylie says she looks at the weekly brochures and adverts for supermarkets when deciding which supermarket to use, "I have three children to make lunches for each day so I want cheap fruit, bread, and stuff I can give them that is healthy but easy to pack." Her first impressions of the store were positive, "it feels light and clean, everything is laid out nicely and it is easy to find what I want".
For Denise Wood, walking down the aisles was a walk down memory lane. She grew up in her mother's house on 21a Broadway North, which was demolished to make way for the supermarket. "It feels quite emotional really, but I am enjoying looking around." Denise was invited to join the team for the opening ceremonies and given a private tour of the supermarket before the doors officially opened.