Lynne Mowbray|
The sound of bagpipes echoed from within the new Ritchies IGA supermarket in Maclean last Wednesday, during the opening celebrations of Maclean’s new supermarket.
Maclean pipers Alister Smith and Ross McLachlan piped their way around the store, before the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by Clarence Valley mayor Jim Simmons.
A crowd of keen shoppers filed into the store, as staff members welcomed their new customers while handing out single roses to the ladies.
The Maclean Scottish Town Dancers performed two Scottish dance’s inside the front of the store.
There was a steady flow of interested shoppers throughout the day with customers both surprised and excited with the size of the store and the wide variety of goods available.
Ritchies Stores CEO Fred Harrison said that he was surprised with how many people had turned up, for the 8am opening.
“We’ve opened a lot of stores around regional Victoria and New South Wales and Queensland and we haven’t had so many people turn up to a new store launch like this, for a long time,” said Mr Harrison.
“We’re delighted that we’ve employed 98 new people and that number will increase as time rolls on.
“We had feedback that the town was looking for something a little bit different and we’ve really worked hard on the range and variety (of goods). This isn’t another Woolies or Coles.
“When you go in (to the store) you will see that we probably have double the range of that of a chain store. There are very little home brands; it’s more about branded products and unique local products. So we’ve put in a mighty effort around the ranging to have a variable range that’s different to what people would buy in a traditional supermarket.
“We think that long term it will be a great business and the local community here in Maclean will be very proud of what we’ve been able to do together,” he said.
Ritchies Maclean Supermarket Supervisor Kieron Hyland said that their opening day exceeded all expectations.
“We were really happy to see the customers all lined up, ready to race into the store and meet our team; so we’re really happy with the results,” Mr Hyland said.
Mr Hyland who is originally from Melbourne, said that he moved here from Coffs Harbour, where he worked for two years supervising six stores.
“It’s a lovely place and it’s fantastic to get around and meet people. There are great places to eat and drink and the weather’s always amazing, Mr Hyland said.
“I moved here about three or four months ago after taking on the challenge to build a team for Maclean. “I’ve got a plan to stay here for the next 12 months to establish the team (of 98 staff) to be self sufficient and independent,” he said.
