By Molly Taylor
EAGER shoppers are expected to flock to the new multi-million dollar Coles Mount Gambier complex tomorrow morning for its long-awaited grand opening.
The supermarket giant has been a key component of the major overhaul to the former Fidler and Webb and Target sites, with construction continuing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to transform the inner-city block.
Sitting alongside the established Aldi warehouse and smaller scale retail spaces, the new Coles store is one of the nation’s newest and largest sites and boasts the latest innovations within the brand.
Touring the site this week, The Border Watch was introduced to a range of new elements including an urban coffee station, expanded bakery with a fresh flatbread range and a scoop and weigh pet treat area.
With over double the floor space from its Elizabeth Street location, which closes tonight at 6pm for the final time, store manager Jeff Streatfield said he was excited to introduce the new retail complex to Mount Gambier and showcase what it had on offer.
“I am feeling pretty excited and we really want to highlight what we will be bringing to the community, great products and service,” Mr Streatfield said.
“We are really trying to become a one-stop shop destination.
“This upgrade was well overdue and we’re happy with how its come together.”
Mr Streatfield has worked within Coles for over 14 years and as a store manager for almost 10 years, based in Kununurra, Darwin, Alice Springs and now Mount Gambier.
“It was just like going from one extreme to the another, but I have always wanted to open a brand new store and here we are today,” he said.
“The highlight for me is just seeing the team’s reaction, going from the old store to the new one.
“The team we have is outstanding and have just gone above and well beyond their job descriptions, which has been phenomenal and very impressive.”
Considering the disruptions caused by COVID-19, Mr Streatfield said he was pleased to open the store ahead of deadline and had already spoken with excited members of the public.
“We are expected a large influx of people, but who knows what it will bring… we are well-prepared either way,” he said.
Stocking a range of South Australian and Australian brands, Mr Streatfield said the store had opened just in time for Christmas and encouraged people to pop in and explore what it had on offer.
Remaining stock from the Elizabeth Street store will be transported to the new location in the coming days.
