Countdown’s newest supermarket was officially opened on 2 June by Hon Nikki Kaye, with 2,200 new products on offer in the company’s first premium store. Countdown Ponsonby is the first retailer to open in Auckland’s $120 million Vinegar Lane and Cider development, with the wider retail development expected to be completed in the coming months.
Minister Kaye says: “The new supermarket has been much anticipated and it’s exciting that the first stage of the development is now open to the public. It’s fantastic that this new Countdown has resulted in around 100 new jobs, and I know that Ponsonby locals are going to love having a new store just nearby,” says Kaye.
The new supermarket has a deli section with cut and wrapped cheeses, a focus on loose organic produce, along with specialist food and wine experts on hand to offer tips and advice. There are also 450 new products in the health foods and wellness section alone, reflecting the local customer base increasingly looking for health and wellness at the supermarket.
Among the 100 new team members are Chef Jared Adlam, Kerri Lamb, and Tom Allison, who have extensive experience in the food industry. Joining the foodies at Countdown Ponsonby is wine specialist, Anton Fedorchenko, an experienced sommelier.
Countdown Ponsonby Store Manager, Jason McQuoid, says he and his team are very excited to finally share their store with their customers. “I’m passionate about the food and beverage industry, and as someone who spends a lot of time in Ponsonby, I’m also very proud and excited about the offer we’ve designed for our new customers here.
Countdown Managing Director, Dave Chambers, says that Countdown Ponsonby is an exciting store for the business, as their most premium and unique store yet. “Customers can still expect to find our usual products at everyday low prices, but they will also get to enjoy the massive range of new and exciting products that have been sourced with our Ponsonby customers in mind,” he says.
