Countdown has opened its Mangere East store with an official opening ceremony held by Mayor Len Brown, local Labour MP Su’a William Sio and members of the community.

Brown says Countdown’s decision to build a new state-of-the-art supermarket in Mangere East is a real vote of confidence in this community.

“I am sure a development of this size will attract other businesses to the area. The Mangere East Countdown is great news both for shoppers and for the local economy,” says Brown.

William Sio says Mangere is a vibrant community and an addition of a new Countdown means more employment for the community.

“It’s great to see Countdown supporting the Mangere community. We’re a flourishing area and this development helps grow amenities and services for Mangere locals,” says William Sio.

Countdown’s GM of operations, Brett Ashley, says the company is delighted to offer a new shopping experience in Mangere and to employ members of the local community.

“Mangere East is growing and it’s time for us to bring a better, overall fresh offer to our local customers. We thank our customers for their patience while we built the new store and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone,” says Ashley.

Store manager, Jason Woonton, says he is excited to offer the bigger and better shopping experience to the Mangere East community. The new store will feature a full production bakery, self check-outs and combined seafood and deli that the previous Mangere store didn’t.

Woonton, who previously managed the Papakura store and has been with the company for 14 years, is chuffed many of his new team have been employed from the local community.

“I’m proud to be leading a team of 60 people, 49 of which we’ve brought with us from the current Mangere store, along with some new teammates from the community,” says Woonton.

The new store has been built with Countdown’s latest design features and includes wider aisles, a more expansive fresh produce department and energy efficient fittings and equipment.

It will also offer the popular click and collect service, offering customers the opportunity to order online and pick them up, as well as an expanded new layout for clothing and kitchenware merchandise.