Pyes Pa supermarket opens

Julie and Tony Bruce in Super Value, Pyes Pa. Photo/Ruth Keber

A new supermarket will open its doors in Pyes Pa today.

Super Value Pyes Pa, which stocks between 6000 and 6500 items, will service the Pyes Pa and Tauriko communities.

The supermarket is the latest in a series of new developments in the area and is part of Redline Holdings' $11m development in Pyes Pa Rd which features the supermarket, other shops and restaurants. A privately-owned aquatic centre will anchor the project.

This 1.5ha development follows the opening of the new shopping complex Tauranga Crossing at Tauriko where the first stage was now open.

As part of the $50m first phase of development at the Tauranga Crossing, Pak'n Save, the Warehouse, Noel Leeming and Warehouse Stationery anchored the shopping centre. The 17,000sq m first stage will also feature a range of other shops.

Super Value Pyes Pa was an independently-owned Progressive Enterprises supermarket.

Owner and operators Tony and Julie Bruce have been in the supermarket industry for the last 35 years.

"For us it was a lifestyle change, coming down to the sunny Bay of Plenty and this opportunity came up at the same time," Mr Bruce said.

The former Aucklander said the process had been about a year in the making.

The store would employ 11 staff but more could be needed for the future, he said.

Mr Bruce said the area was the perfect space for a supermarket with no others similar in the immediate area.

"If locals want bread or milk - you have to go down to Greerton or somewhere else."

Mr Bruce said they always knew of the Pak'n Save which opened in Tauranga Crossing approximately 3km down the road.

"We feel this is more a local convenience store. It's not a completely different market but the thing for us is customer service.

"If it is raining outside, we will have an umbrella to take people to the car."

Mr Bruce said he was excited to have the doors finally opened today.

Mrs Bruce said Super Value complemented the other shops and restaurants in the complex.

"It's just getting people to know it is here."

Mrs Bruce said they would be as competitive as they could with their pricing.

"We are here to serve the community, we want to have really good specials every week. In the end we are hoping people don't just come down for bread and milk but they can do their whole shop here. We have an on-site butcher, Lotto, fresh fruit and vege. It's a one-stop shop."

Other shops and restaurants in the shopping complex include Taste of China, Matakite - Laboratory of Japanese Cuisine, TLC Hairdressing, Timeless Nails and Beauty, Body in Motion - Physio, Rehab and Pilates, TopKids, Flex Fitness, Pyes Pa Dentist, First Hearing Centre, Pyes Pa Pharmacy and Postal Services, Thai Palace and Fez Kebab.

Cardamom Indian Restaurant, The Artisan Bread Bakers and Pyes Pa Doctors are also on their way to the complex.

Super Value Pyes Pa will be open from 10am today. It will then be open from 7am to 9pm every day.