Supermarket era ends as another begins

KEEPING up with the Joneses in recent weeks has been a hectic affair.
When Nigel and Chris Jones turned the key at Write Price FoodBarn in Wanganui yesterday it was for the last time, but it's far from the end yet ? the work is only just beginning.
The family-owned supermarket is finally moving into its new home across the road in Victoria Ave under the Pak 'n Save banner.
Mr and Mrs Jones will open the new store at 10am tomorrow, almost a year after the initial deadline.
Frustrating hold-ups and delays during construction have been managed well by the family and surprisingly have not pushed building costs hugely over budget.
"The new building, which is owned by Co-operative Foodstuffs, was constructed in a contract price and the fittings and fixtures internally that we own were also done on a contract price ? so no, there hasn't really been a budget blow-out," Mr Jones said.
"It's been a really busy time over the last few weeks, although we personally have had it pretty cruisy.
"Everyone had their job to do and just got on and did it. "So far it's been a really smooth transition."
The Joneses have lived and breathed supermarkets for nearly three decades, first opening the Write Price doors on April 21, 1982, after moving from their Self Help shop further down Victoria Ave.
"Leading up to the Write Price closure, I hadn't been emotional at all, but when I turned the key for the last time today it was almost like having to put down a faithful old family dog.
"The locals and regular shoppers have been brilliant, as has the staff.
"While we haven't let any of the delays bother us too much, I guess it has been pretty frustrating for the staff. "We had a group of neighbours gather at closing time today, and they wished us well.
"In fact, one loyal shopper, Ngaire Kearse, hand-delivered a card wishing us all the best. She said she had shopped with us since we operated the other store. It was very touching," Mr Jones said.
Mrs Kearse was one of hundreds through the doors yesterday seeking bargains, and as 5pm drew near yesterday the store was still packed and the shelves emptying.
"I've shopped with the Jones family since the Self Help days, and I will continue to shop with them at Pak 'n Save. They're lovely people," Mrs Kearse said.
After the hustle and bustle had died down yesterday evening, staff began a stock-take and packed remaining goods for the trip across the road today.
All 218 staff are to move with the Jones.