New Zealand retailer Foodstuffs is investing NZ$200m(US$144.3m) into its Pak’nSave and New World supermarkets.
Around NZ$120m will be spent on the construction of four new stores in the North Island and three new stores in the South Island, while NZ$80m will be spent on upgrades to 11 stores across the country.
Foodstuffs North Island GM property development Lindsay Rowles said the focus would be on upgrading stores to reflect the needs of its customers, from car parks, lighting and refrigeration to adapting aisles to meet the customers’ needs.
“Consumers are becoming more discerning about where they shop,” Rowles said. “Some want more modern facilities and a wider range of products, while others are focussed on cost savings and environmental sustainability.
“We are well aware of all those factors, and are investing in order to cater for these needs well into the future.”
Foodstuffs said the investment in new stores would crate jobs nationwide, with estimates that its three new South Island stores, Pak’nSave Tauriko, Pak’nSave Queenstown and Four Square West Melton, will create more than 300 jobs.
“Part of the investment in our communities is the training and career advancement opportunities we offer our staff,” said Roger Davidson, Foodstuffs South Island GM property and retail development. “We’re currently directing our spending to bricks and mortar, but once the stores are completed our owners focus moves onto ensuring they have the best people on the ground to meet our customer needs – training and development forms a strong part of this.”
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