Kicking off with a celebratory ceremony in the morning with speeches, a cake and ribbon cutting to officially welcome locals through the doors to their new-look store, the multi-million-dollar upgrade has seen parts of the store unrecognisable from days past and the creation of 10 additional roles.
Coles also called in the star power of Torrumbarry My Kitchen Rules stars Mick and Jodie-Anne for cooking demonstrations and other food-tasting stations throughout the day.
Cutting the ribbon on Wednesday morning was bakery manager Ashley Hinson, who is one of four Echuca team members who have been with the supermarket for more than 25 years.
“I started at Coles when I was 15, and throughout the past 26 years I’ve worked across nearly every department in the store,” he said.
“And it’s been exciting to see the new and interactive modern bakery take shape over the past few weeks
“It’s going to be great baking bread for my customers right at the front of the store, and for the first time we can offer freshly made artisan-style bread varieties from Melbourne-based French baker Laurent Biollon.
“I remember back to the day when each aisle was managed by a different team member. It’s been impressive to see how our store has evolved since 1993.”
Store manager Kelly Mckay said the team was delighted to open the new store and see the positive impact the redevelopment will have on the Echuca community.
“We're proud that our new store will not only service Echuca residents but will also result in the creation of new local jobs,” she said.
“We’ve recently developed a strong partnership with Echuca Foodbank helping to feed those impacted by hunger in our community, and we’ll be continuing our weekend community barbecues which have raised more than $182,000 for the Echuca community since 2017.
“Coles Echuca has never looked better, I know our customers will love our brand new bakery, new Coles Online Click&Collect offer and expanded produce range with fresh fruit and veg.”
The Echuca store will also stock locally-produced products, including River Port Beverages’ range of flavoured drinks and Simplot’s ‘Mum’s Sause,’ which supports sick children in hospitals across Australia through the sale of each jar.
Coles at Echuca is located on the corner of Darling and Hare streets and is open from 7am to 10pm seven days a week.
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