Revamp back on track

Work to complete the renovations on what is now Countdown Motueka started this month.

The store's refurbishment stalled last August after Progressive Enterprises had bought what was then Fresh Choice Motueka while it was in the throes of a revamp.

Store manager Craig Robertson said work would start on the new retail extension shell next month, with the interior retail floor extension due to start in September.

The work would see new checkouts, upright freezers, produce tables and new milk and chilled drinks cabinets installed. "We'll also be extending our grocery section to offer additional products. There will be an extra 1.5 aisles, with 5 other aisles being extended."

Other changes would include new deli equipment and the relocation of the produce and meat departments.

"We'll also introduce a walk-in beer chiller along with a new wine section.

"There will also be a customer toilet installed."

The western end of the carpark has been dug up and a new soak pit installed to combat flooding.

"We have a couple more weeks to go until that is re-sealed and then it will be able to be used again," Craig said.

"With our growing store we believe we'll also have additional employment opportunities available on top of our existing 52 employees," he said.

Countdown is owned by Progressive Enterprises, a subsidiary of the publicly listed Australian company, Woolworths. Progressive also owns Woolworths and Foodtown supermarkets and is the franchise co-ordinator for Fresh Choice supermarkets.