Four Square Mahora owner Scott Iskowicz and his partner Stephanie Tidey have unveiled the store’s new look with a completed renovation.
The couple took up ownership of the Hawkes’ Bay store just 18 months ago and the store has been upgraded with the interior, exterior and product range. This is one of the first in Hawkes Bay to feature the entirely redesigned new Four Square brand, which is being pushed out across the country.
The newly renovated store, which employs a team of 15, now offers an expanded produce selection, fresh bakery items, an ever-expanding butchery cabinet, barista-made ‘Flight’ coffee, hot chicken and chips, and even a fresh mussel station.
According to Iskowicz, this is a big hit with the locals. “I don’t think we’ve ever experienced such supportive customers, who are really pleased that there’s been investment into the community, with one even saying how fantastic it is to see a young couple passionate about what they do, breathing new life into Mahora,” he said.
Last year, the Cyclone Gabrielle significantly impacted New Zealand retailers, costing the local economy billions of dollars. A Retail New Zealand survey predicted that sales for firms in affected areas were down by 20-30 per cent, with losses for those hardest hit reaching $150,000.
Giant grocery companies Countdown and Foodstuffs had contributed a combined $1 million in financial assistance to suppliers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Four Square is part of Foodstuffs North Island, a cooperative of locally owned and operated grocers that includes New World and Pak’nSave stores.
Scott said he found relief in relying on the Four Square team after the cyclone, with aid coming from New World Hastings, a Foodstuffs North Island supermarket, assisted the Four Square crew with clean-up efforts.
