Foodstuffs NZ, parent company of the New World and Pak’nSave supermarket chains, is investing NZ$200 million (US$144 million)on new stores and refurbishments this year.
Work includes the construction of seven new stores, worth around $120 million in total – four in the North Island and three in the South. Another $80 million is being spent on upgrades of 11 stores.
The four North Island stores currently being built are: Pak’nSave Tauriko, in Tauranga; New World Te Kuiti; New World Papakura, in South Auckland; and Pak’nSave Tamatea, in Napier.
Another five North Island stores have upgrades underway: Pak’nSave Clendon, in South Auckland; New World Willis Street, in Wellington, New World Pahiatua, New World Metro in Auckland’s CBD, and New World Orewa. Work has just finished at New World Pioneer Highway, in Palmerston North.
Foodstuffs (North Island) GM property development Lindsay Rowles says there are multiple growth opportunities in New Zealand right now.
“Consumers are becoming more discerning about where they shop,” says Rowles. “Some want more modern facilities and a wider range of products, while others are focussed on cost savings and environmental sustainability. We are well aware of all those factors, and are investing in order to cater for these needs well into the future.”
Rowles, who recently moved to New Zealand from Australia after 13 years in retail property development for Woolworths and Aldi, says retailers are recognising the importance of putting customer desires at the centre of their planning, including the physical buildings they develop.
“Our stores need to reflect the needs of the customer and adapt and, if required, change to meet their needs. Critical aspects of our supermarkets such as car parks, aisles, lighting and refrigeration need to be tailored to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. A business that truly places these needs at its heart is the one that will have true success into the future.”
As well as the work already underway, Foodstuffs North Island is planning a major overhaul of New World Papatoetoe, in south Auckland, with work is due to start by winter 2017.
Meanwhile, in the South Island, three new stores are currently being built: New World Ferry Road, in east Christchurch; Pak’nSave Queenstown; and Four Square West Melton, west of Christchurch.
Foodstuffs (South Island) GM property and retail development Roger Davidson says all three are due to open in spring.
“At one end of the scale is Pak’nSave Queenstown,” he says, “which will cover about 5500 sqm and bring New Zealand’s lowest food prices to the Queenstown-Lakes District for the first time. At the other end is Four Square West Melton, which promises to give locals greater shopping convenience.”
Five other southern stores are being refurbished: New World Halswell in south Christchurch; New World Lincoln; New World Elles Road, in Invercargill; New World Alexandra; and Pak’nSave Timaru.
“Overall, it amounts to a massive work programme for us,” Davidson says, “and a sign of our long-term commitment to the communities we serve.”
Newly constructed stores and those undergoing major refurbishments will all be kitted out with the latest in environmentally sustainable lighting, refrigeration and waste recycling systems.
