5 minute read
STORE REVIEW: SUPPLY YOUR LOCAL FOOD STORE, WAGGA WAGGA
One-stop shop
Setting up shop on a former sheep paddock may have raised the locals’ eyebrows but SUPPLY Your Local Food Store in Wagga Wagga has now certainly got their full attention.
Words Thomas Oakley-Newell
IN THE HEART of Wagga Wagga, a new retail destination has opened its doors, offering locals a one-stop shop for their daily needs. SUPPLY Your Local Food Store, under the leadership of Ben Dunn, Managing Director of The Dunn Group, brings together a diverse range of offerings that set it apart from its local competitors.
“Everything that is new and shiny is always popular, and a new business opening in a local regional area is extra popular given it was previously a sheep paddock!” says Dunn.
This store aims to serve as a convenient hub for the community, featuring bp fuel, an IGA Liquor bottle shop, Local Grocer offer, an NSW Lotteries Outlet, Balmain Coffee Company, a dog wash, and Australia Post Lockers for parcel collection.
Customer experience is at the core of SUPPLY Your Local Food Store’s mission, with Dunn explaining that he thinks the art of customer service is fading across a lot of retail, and this new site prides itself on maintaining a welcoming atmosphere where shoppers can expect friendly and consistent service with every visit.
“We talk about giving our customers an experience when they visit our stores. Our new customers will be getting a good old dose of country hospitality.”
Food and drink offering
One of the standout features of the store is its food and beverage options, including The Balmain Coffee Company, which was founded by Dunn a decade ago, and has built a reputation for excellence.
“Our Balmain Coffee Company offer, and ‘SUPPLY Your Local Food Store’ offering will certainly be something much better an offer than anything that is available in Wagga Wagga currently.”
SUPPLY Your Local Food Store stands out not just for its offerings but also for its innovative approach to retail space. One of the key differentiators is the approval of an IGA Liquor store on the premises.
We talk about giving our customers an experience when they visit our stores. Our new customers will be getting a good old dose of country hospitality.
– Ben Dunn, Managing Director, The Dunn Group
“The only difference from this store to what we normally present is that we were able to get a bottle shop approved on the site. When I applied for a liquor licence there was none existing in the area and as a result we got approval. I have gone with IGA Liquor branding to tie in with the IGA Banner that we retail the groceries through, they have a strong loyalty program that now, in 2025, will carry across through their liquor store as well.”
To accommodate the diverse needs of the store, a partial second story was added, featuring a goods lift to move stock efficiently.
“Level one is used for storing large bulky items like coffee cups/lids and fresh juice bottle packaging plus pallets of drinks. There is also a training room and offices,” Dunn adds.
Adapting to emerging trends
Over the past year, consumer behaviour has evolved, with an increased focus on value for money and loyalty programs.
“In the last 12 months consumers have tightened up and I think this trend will continue for the next 12 months at least.
“This has led to a lot more of our regular customers taking up our Balmain Coffee loyalty card where perhaps previously they didn’t bother.”
Looking to 2025 and beyond, Dunn predicts a challenging retail landscape.
“While our November and early December trade was very strong, January has fallen away to what we would have hoped. I do think 2025 will be tight for most retail as we all continue to absorb increased running costs across our stores. There seems to be no end to these increases that are beyond our control.”
Keys to success
When asked about advice for running a successful store, Dunn is clear about the importance of consistency across the entire operation.
“I tell my staff whether it’s baristas behind the machines, managers on the shop floor, and even my operations team, that what we do at times is repetitive, and some days can seem monotonous. However, for us to be successful, this is what is required. It is being consistent each day with what excellent standards we present to our customers and every coffee we make. You need to be consistent and maintain the high standard.”
