Iconic Young's Four Square turns 50

When Young's Four Square opened its doors 50 years ago man was yet to walk on the moon, US President John F Kennedy was on the brink of being assassinated, and New Zealand was seven years away from the nation's worst modern maritime disaster, the Wahine.

But as these events passed and the world experienced change the low-key Mill Road property seemed immune to time as the bespectacled Young brothers John, now 77, and Alan, 70, stuck to their old-style service, which included keeping accounts for customers and home deliveries.

"Basically from our 1961 beginnings we're not doing anything different," John said as he smoothed a crinkle in his green grocer apron he wears for around 90 hours a week.

The plastic lolly cabinet stocked with retro sweets and the dated words "Young's Grocery" protruding from a wall above the chillers reiterated the grocer's claim.

"People would ring up and give us orders and we used to deliver around the place, we even rode a bike with a basket on the front and we still deliver, just not on the bike anymore," he said. Although the duo have paced the pale blue lino greeting customers by name and with a smile for half a century John - standing in front of a poster of royal couple Wills and Kate tying the knot - revealed there have been a few modern twists to the way they do business.

"Cheese used to come in a big block and we'd cut it up ourselves. Same with the bacon, which we'd reel out and slice. But now everything's packaged and there's about a 100 of this and a 100 of that. When we'd usually only have two or three cleaners."

Young's Four Square also branched out into freshly baked home goods, including filled rolls, pies, lamingtons, afghan and melting moment biscuits.

But it's their old-style service that has seen customer and staff loyalty steer the shop across its 50-year threshold.

"People like to be recognised. We also try to have a fair price for everything and just give the service and a smile on the dial," John said.

However, 86-year-old Melva Dow, who worked for the brothers for 48 years, said the real reason the shop's been able to resist change is because the pair genuinely care about the people they serve.

"They're not running a business, it's like a family shop. People come in and just unload and they sit there listening or comforting them - I couldn't work for anybody else."

John, who described himself as easy going and low key, had no plans for the shop's 50th until he heard a tap on the door.

"The staff turned up with a few drinks and a cake and we sat outside the back and had a few laughs. "We didn't want to celebrate but they really wanted to do something, it was good fun."

When retirement fell into the conversation a look of disdain washed across John's face.

"Just the thought of retirement doesn't thrill me one bit plus when you're here and enjoying it, it doesn't feel like work."

So, it would seem more birthday celebrations are on the cards for Young's Four Square.

- Whangarei Report