Four Square Rakaia has opened its doors under new ownership today, with experienced grocers Mike and Catherine Thomas taking charge of the well known store in one of the town’s most recognisable buildings.
The couple have moved to Rakaia after eight years running Four Square Pleasant Point, where they became closely involved in community life.
Mike said leaving Pleasant Point was never part of their original plan. He spent years supporting local sport and serving on the community board.
“We loved it there and were not looking to leave. This opportunity was too good to pass up,” he said.
They take over from Glen Parris, who has been the face of Four Square Rakaia for 17 years.
“Whatever Glen did for the community, we will continue. Once we get to know people we will consider if there are other ways we can play a part.”
Rakaia has around one thousand seven hundred residents and a steady stream of visitors, and the new Four Square is one of Foodstuffs South Island’s thirty five stores serving communities of fewer than five thousand people.
The store’s layout is designed to cater for locals needing everyday essentials as well as people travelling through the area.
To celebrate the opening, and recognising Rakaia’s title as the Salmon Capital of New Zealand, the store is stocking salmon and giving away one thousand chocolate fish.
Every household in the area has also received a five dollar voucher to spend in store. Catherine said it is a simple way to say hello and start building connections.
Mike began his career as a trolley boy at PAK’nSAVE Moorhouse in Christchurch before moving into grocery operations and merchandise management. After seven years working for a supplier, the Four Square opportunity in Pleasant Point led the family into store ownership.
“We like being busy and we love seeing communities succeed,” he said.
“Everything is going to plan so far and long may it continue. We cannot wait to meet our new community.”
The revamped Four Square Rakaia now offers more than one thousand three hundred new food lines, including Fairlie Bakehouse pies, real fruit ice creams, barista made coffee, an expanded frozen range, a wider butchery selection, hot food such as chicken and chips, beer and wine, and South Island favourites such as Barkers of Geraldine.
Eugene Ruane, Four Square Group Manager for Foodstuffs South Island, said the new format is designed to make life easier for the community.
“This store reflects the future of Four Square, modern, sustainable, and always community focused.
“We have built it with our customers in mind, with wider aisles, electronic shelf labels to support pricing integrity, energy efficient refrigeration systems that keep food fresher for longer, and self checkout options.
“There are fifty seven Four Squares in the South Island and we take a lot of pride in supporting small communities.”
