Countdown over for new look

After much anticipation, Stratford shoppers finally got to see inside their new supermarket, as the doors were opened to the new Countdown on Broadway North yesterday morning.

The $15 million complex was completed "two days ahead of schedule," says Countdown Stratford store manager Shaun Wall. An achievement he says is credit to the hard work and fantastic work ethic shown by Clelands Construction Ltd and their sub contractors.

Clelands Construction Ltd and the sub contractors have all been fantastic to work with, it has to be one of the best builds ever.

Countdown Stratford store manager Shaun Wall

With a powhiri led by Avon Primary School pupils, a stirring haka performed by students from Stratford High, a national anthem sung by Stratford Primary pupils and a distinctly Shakespearean theme thanks to St Mary's students in period costume the opening began as they mean to go on, says Shaun.

We are part of the community and we were excited to be able to involve so many local students in our opening ceremony.

Countdown Stratford store manager Shaun Wall

"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.

Mayor Neil Volzke

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.