IT WAS a revolutionary change for She’s Apples Market Mount Gambier yesterday when it opened the doors to its new Compton Street store.
The home-grown fresh produce and fine foods provider has expanded into the former Radio Rentals building after spending the past 30 years at its founding James Street headquarters.
The locally-owned business made the move as the inner-city retail sector continues to expand, neighbouring the rapidly-progressing $12m Coles development and the $6.8m Aldi grocery store.
After seven months of preparation, store director Phil Telfer yesterday was ecstatic to unveil the new site to the public.
“We are excited everything has come into fruition and present what we have achieved over the past seven months,” Mr Telfer said.
“We want to continue providing our best customer service, quality products and fresh produce we know the community enjoys,” Mr Telfer said.
“It has been a lot of long nights and not a lot of sleep as you could imagine, but our vision has always been to end up where we are today.”
Mr Telfer said the business held a soft launch yesterday, deeming it suitable during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We did not want a large influx of people during the current climate,” he said.
“We need to be mindful of social distancing and are making sure we can protect our staff and customers as best as possible.”
Mr Telfer said a grand opening celebration was planned for later in the year when Baker’s Delight’s James Street store relocates to Compton Street.
“We will still follow restrictions if they are still in place, but it will be a celebration which lets the public know we are open for business,” he said.
Among the business’ new features include an on-site chef, gourmet fine foods service deli and an expanded range of fresh produce and products.
Mr Telfer said there were plans to install a restaurant-style cafe, which had been postponed until coronavirus restrictions were lifted.
“We have tried to be a one-stop shop for our customers so they can enjoy all of their locally-grown products and produce,” he said.
“We have been across the road from a major supermarket for the 30 years when we were located on James Street and have held our own.
“We have grown our business on the back of our success and have set our benchmark which we are keen to carry on.”
Mr Telfer said click-and-collect and home delivery services were available.
“We thank the public for their patience during our transition. It has been a long journey to get to where we are now,” he said.
