Four Square has opened an expanded store in Te Puna, nearly doubling its previous size to better serve the local community’s growing needs.

The new Four Square Te Puna replaces the previous store, which had operated from a 1969-built site and had reached its capacity after years of growth. 

Located behind the original premises, the new 622sqm store offers an expanded product range, enhanced fresh food departments and improved customer facilities.

Owner-operators Pritesh and Dipti Bhikha, who have run the store since 2009, said the redevelopment was driven by increasing demand from local shoppers.

“We had completely maxed out the space,” Pritesh Bhikha said. “This brand-new store gives us the chance to offer more – especially in fresh food and overall range.”

The larger format includes expanded produce, butchery and seafood sections, alongside a wider selection of ready-to-eat meals, barista coffee and scoop ice cream. Existing services such as Lotto and NZ Post have been retained.

The store also features three staffed checkouts, three self-service checkouts and a new 31-space car park following the demolition of the original building.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to create between four and six new jobs, increasing the store’s workforce from 14 to as many as 20 employees.

The project forms part of Foodstuffs North Island’s ongoing investment in community-based retailing through its Four Square network.

Ben Waru, acting head of Four Square at Foodstuffs North Island, said the new store reflects both customer demand and the owners’ commitment to the local area.

“You can really see the pride Pritesh and Dipti have in their store – they’ve built something that reflects both their hard work and what their customers are asking for.” 

• Further reading: Taupo Four Square owner fined for exploiting staff.