Kakitkati gets bigger rebranded supermarket

Work is underway to extend Woolworths supermarket in Katikati to more than double its size and rebrand it as a Countdown store.

"Countdown is making a significant investment in Katikati to increase the size of the store from 1500 square metres that it is currently, to 3200 square metres," says Luke Schepen, national communications and public affairs manager for Countdown.

"What that means to customers is that the range of products on show will increase dramatically."

New features in store will include a large seafood department, additional checkouts and an expanded fresh food and grocery range.

Mr Schepen says when the new section of the building is completed, the current store will move across to the new section and work on the old section of supermarket will start.

"Come next year the new Katikati Countdown will be one of the best stores in the country where residents will have a bigger store with the benefits of an increased range," he says.

Along with that there will be updated technology, including energy-efficient refrigeration and lighting, which will help to reduce the company's carbon emissions, Mr Schepen says.

"Our focus is on fresh food when you walk in."

Mr Schepen advises that throughout the construction period, the store staff will be doing their best to ensure customers are not inconvenienced.

"We do appreciate that the works are being undertaken while the store is open." He expects that additional jobs may be available due to the increased size of the store.