There is a fresh new beginning for the old Foodworks store with new owners excited to introduce IGA and all it has to offer to Lakes Entrance.
Jon and Donna Hewitt have moved to the town and are already making big changes to the supermarket.
“We will be having a specialist team from IGA coming down
in October to relay the whole
store, but shoppers will already notice a difference with the yellow price tags showing cheaper prices,” Donna said.
Jon and Donna first entered the supermarket business 18 years ago in Mornington and since then have purchased the Tooradin Foodworks where they did an extensive refurbishment of that store.
They hope to bring that same transformation to the Lakes Entrance store over time.
They will introduce regular Planograms for each section which keeps supply and relevant products up to date and on the shelves. It helps them identify what is the top sellers, what buyers want and where to add more variety to the store.
“Our aim is to attract the local community back to the supermarket, they will be our priority,”
Jon said.
“We will welcome the holiday season but want an all year round service for our locals. We aim to have comparable prices to other existing supermarkets in town.
“We have already had Just Fresh Produce come in and update our fruit and vegetable section and it is looking great.”
Jon and Donna are also keen to support local suppliers by retaining those already servicing the store and adding new clients.
“Fultons Butchers will be supplying
us with a premium range of meats but will
also have mid to value range meats on
offer,” Jon said.
“We will add fresh meal packages to an updated deli including quarter chicken and vegetable value box, whole roast chickens, a grab and go service of hot and cold dishes. Also, one for the kids, frog in the pond will be here within a week.”
The supermarket has welcomed some new staff to the store while retaining many of the familiar faces.
Kim Anderson is store manager with the popular Avi Joshi as second in command.
Reagan Hill is the liquor manager and is already planning and arranging this area. Andrew Armistead is in charge of the Fresh Produce area.
The Hewitts and their dog have settled into living in Lakes Entrance for at least the next six months but hinted that they are tempted to perhaps make it their permanent home.
At the moment they are a very busy couple who are striving to bring back the local feel of going to do your grocery shopping.
Hewitt’s IGA + Liquor is open from 7.30am to 7.30pm with all the crew ready to welcome you back to your local supermarket.
