Paul Raistrick to takeover Ritchie’s IGA at Latrobe

NATIONAL VICTORIA TASMANIA

Paul Raistrick to takeover Ritchie’s IGA at Latrobe

Everyone’s favourite English treats from mushy peas to Irn-Bru will be hitting the shelves at Latrobe as the new owner of Ritchie’s IGA puts his touch on the store.

Story by Claudia Williams | The Advocate. Pictures by Simon Sturzaker

Paul Raistrick will officially take over the store on October 29, adding to his Pommy Paul’s IGA’s in Devonport on Valley Road and at the Fourways and at Shearwater.

It is a proud achievement for Mr Raistrick.

“We have been looking at expanding for the last five years, but COVID slowed everything down and now we have been offered the chance to buy Ritchie’s IGA as he retires,” he said.

“To have it up to four stores now means it expands my skill base and I will be able to pass those skills to other staff it will be great to see them blossom with the responsibility they have been given.

“It will be a few weeks of hard work getting used to how the store runs because each store has its own characters and unique people.”

While he will be making some small changes Mr Raistrick said he would be keeping the aspects of the store locals love.

“Latrobe has lots of different things we don’t do at the other stores that we can now share between the stores, like they make home made salads that we can share around,” he said. Most things they do will stay the same because if you don’t change too much you don’t frighten the horse.”

With the new store Mr Raistrick will be looking to add up to five people to his team.

“We need probably four or five new staff in the company because the other stores are getting busier,” he said.

Staff at Ritchie’s IGA at Latrobe. Picture: Simon Sturzaker

To have it up to four stores now means it expands my skill base and I will be able to pass those skills to other staff it will be great to see them blossom.

Paul Raistrick “It is still as busy as it was in COVID for the independent stores as we are giving the personal service the other can’t give.”

Owner of the IGA for almost 28 years Stuart Ritchie will have his final day on Thursday as retirement calls.

NEW OWNER: Paul Raistrick will take over Ritchie’s IGA at Latrobe on October 29. Picture: Simon Sturzaker