Cutting the cake: Assistant store manager Gemma Donaldson, store manager Sheree Wootton, Ritchies IGA chief executive Fred Harrison and former owner Alan Fisher.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A new beginning for an old store.
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On Wednesday, November 30, Ritchies IGA in Tatura welcomed its first customers to its newly constructed Fine Food and Wine store.
With 60 more people employed, competitive prices and “a very unique store”, staff are ready to welcome people from all over the region, Ritchies IGA chief executive Fred Harrison said.
Currently, the shop is at stage one of its revamp.
“Stage one was really to launch the fresh foods,” Mr Harrison said.
Stage one presents an in-house bakery and butcher, as well as products ranging from gourmet Italian foods to signature chocolate.
The second stage will include a drive-through liquor store followed by a grocery range twice the size of the existing section.
The new grocery department will be built on the old supermarket’s location.
Mr Harrison said it was predicted the shop would be fully functional by the end of April 2023.
He congratulated the team members for their perseverance and thanked the customers who supported them.
Partners: Former owner Alan Fisher and chief executive Fred Harris at the opening of the Ritchies IGA Fine Food and Wine store.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Ritchies IGA purchased the shop six years ago from Alan Fisher, who owned the shop for 12 years and still owns the land.
Mr Fisher said this shop was a major missing piece for a well-functioning community such as Tatura and was long overdue.
He said there were many “strong” businesses in Tatura, such as Tatura Milk (Bega Cheese), Rosella and Leocata’s Transport but “no good supermarkets”.
“I think it will really support the town becoming a nicer place to live and less travel for everyone,” Mr Fisher said.
Store manager Sheree Wootton has been one of the longest-serving staff members, having been there for 14 years.
She started as a cashier and worked her way up to store manager
“(The shop’s) fantastic. It’s been a long time coming,” Ms Wootton said.
Ms Wootton thanked her staff, who did a fantastic job leading up to the grand opening.
Crowd photo: Customers and staff at the opening of the Ritchies IGA Fine Food and Wine store.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Celebration: The cake says it all.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Come one, come all: Sheree Wootton cuts the ribbon.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The crew: Staff at the opening.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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