Supermarkets are a staple in New Zealand culture. There are over 2,600 of them nationwide, and they make up about 14% of all retail sales. They come in all shapes and sizes, but what makes a good supermarket? This blog post will discuss what makes a good supermarket and how it operates. We’ll also look at some of the big players in the market and what makes them stand out from the competition.
What is a supermarket, and what do they offer?
A supermarket is like a grocery store on steroids. It’s a self-service store with sections for food and home goods. Supermarkets are usually much more extensive than your neighbourhood grocery store and offer a wider variety of items. You can find just about anything you need at a supermarket.
According to The Economic Journal, a supermarket is no less than 2,000 sqft and has more than 3 cheek outs, but that was in 1962, and a lot has happened since then. Nowadays days, smaller micro supermarkets and speciality stores are frequently dubbed supermarkets.
Supermarkets are often chain stores, which means they’re supplied by their parent firms’ distribution channels. This enhances chances for cost savings, which supermarkets can then pass on to their customers. Supermarkets also frequently sell things cheaper than small stores because they can negotiate with producers.
Hence, if you’re seeking the finest bargains on food and household items, a supermarket is the place to go.
Short History of Supermarkets NZ
The Four Square grocery chain was founded in New Zealand in the 1920s. The initial self-service store was established in Onehunga by Phil Barker and Ray McGregor in February 1948. Foodtown emerged ten years later in Otahuhu, with 118 parking facilities. Kaitaia saw the first Pak ‘n Save in 1985.
Henderson’s first Lincoln Road store? It was founded in 1961. Former All Black Kevin Skinner Together, they created the very first “supermarket in the area ” The store was a Foodstuffs subsidiary and was recognised as Auckland’s second supermarket.
Woolworths New Zealand acquired Countdown/Rattray’s with Foodtown in 1993. Each enterprise continued to operate independently, with Countdown/ Rattray’s located on the South Island.
From Fringe to Billion-Dollar Business
The New Zealand retail grocery business now surpasses $20-22 billion. Progressive Enterprises now called Woolworths (Countdown) and Foodstuffs (Pac n’ Save) are the large supermarket chains in NZ.
- Popular culinary supermarkets include Farro Fresh, and Huckleberry Farms, as well as smaller minor parties.
- Other modest supermarkets include Euro Deli and Food For Less in New Lynn and Otahuhu.
What makes a good supermarket
What makes a good supermarket is a combination of several factors, including good customer service and happy, approachable staff.
Customer service is essential because it creates a positive experience for shoppers. If customers are happy with their experience, they are more likely to return in the future.
Good customer service also helps to build customer loyalty and encourages people to recommend the supermarket to others.
Another critical factor is the quality of the food on offer. A good supermarket will sell a fresh, high-quality product that has been prepared hygienically.
The supermarket should also offer a good range of products, including branded and own-label products.
The supermarket should also be conveniently located and have ample parking. It should also offer good value for money, with competitive prices on a wide range of products.
Finally, the supermarket should have a pleasant atmosphere, clean, well-lit premises and friendly staff. Promotional deals and fun activities such as in-store tastings can also help to create a positive shopping experience.
So there you have it – what makes a good supermarket.
Good Supermarkets have More Conveniences.
Catering and Take-Out
Firstly, some supermarkets offer a lot more than just your regular shopping Food for Less, Hacleberry Farms offer cooked take-out food and Pac n Save has a coffee bar, and the bakery sometimes can make cakes for functions and Yes! Most New World stores can help you cater for almost any occasion. From Christmas dinner to work lunches, they provide platters, pastries, cakes, hot food, sushi and much more.
Buying Online is Rising as a Supermarket Evolves.
It was 1996, and the world was a different place. Back then, people were still used to using the internet for things other than email.
And shopping online? That was something that only early adopters and tech-savvy types did. But one company saw the potential in this new shopping way and decided to try it.
Countdown, New Zealand’s largest supermarket chain, began offering its clients online shopping as a trial. Clients were mailed over a dozen floppy discs with the online shopping application linked via dial-up internet to a central server storing product and pricing data.
The trial was a success; today, over 20,000 online orders are placed weekly, and over 80,000 Kiwis are frequent online shoppers with Countdown.
Consumer spending on internet enterprises reached over $100 billion in 2020-21, up from $65 billion in 2019-20. According to RedSeer, this trend, which encompasses online groceries, food, Edtech, and e-healthcare, is predicted to reach $250 billion by 2024-2025 globally.
So next time you’re doing your weekly shop online, spare a thought for those early adopters who made it all possible.
Chrismas Clubs
Is a Christmas Club account worth it? For some people, it may be a sign of a good supermarket. They offer many benefits, and one of the best is that you can use your money to buy anything in-store.
- You can also redeem your money at any time of year.
- Christmas club accounts often provide better interest rates than other savings accounts with comparable deposit amounts.
- Christmas club funds can assist you in avoiding incurring credit card debt while conducting your holiday shopping.
How can I get started? You could join the PAK’nSAVE Christmas Club, pick up a card from your nearest PAK’nSAVE location and begin contributing and saving dollars.
Delivery Service
Offering a full grocery delivery service, the Countdown supermarket chain delivers groceries to your door when you shop online. You can also select to click and collect from your local Countdown supermarket. super value and new world
Kids Colouring Competitions
Most supermarkets run colouring competitions and have regular demos of new products at some point countdowns, and fresh choices have community notice boards. This is a vital part of what makes a good supermarket, and all the big player supermarkets sport sponsorship and add value to our community.
Job Openings at the Supermarket
Whether looking for a full-time or part-time job, a supermarket is always an excellent place to start your search. And with over 80,000 full-time and part-time casual workers, there’s sure to be the proper position for you. Here are some reasons why working in a supermarket is a great idea:
- Always have a job. Supermarkets always need employees, so you’ll never have to worry about being out of work.
- Make new friends. With so many employees and customers coming and going, you’re bound to make some new friends while working in a supermarket.
- Learn new skills. Working in a supermarket will teach valuable customer service skills you can use in any job.
- Get discounts on groceries. Most supermarkets offer their employees discounts on groceries, so you can save money while working.
- Flexible hours. If you’re looking for a job with flexible hours, then working in a supermarket is a great option. You can work around your school schedule or family commitments.
- You’ll be doing something important.
What are some of the big players in the market?
As we mentioned, there are four leading supermarket chains in New Zealand: Woolworths, Foodstuffs, Countdown, and. Let’s examine each of them in further depth.
Woolworths is the oldest supermarket chain in New Zealand. It was founded in 1931 and now has over 100 stores nationwide. Woolworths is known for its low prices and a good range of products. It also has a loyalty program called “Woolworths Rewards” that offers discounts and rewards to regular customers.
Foodstuffs are the second-largest supermarket chain in New Zealand. It was founded in 1922 and now has over 200 stores nationwide. Foodstuffs are known for their excellent range of products and their focus on customer service.
The different types of supermarkets in NZ
There are four main types of supermarkets in New Zealand:
- Convenience stores: These are small supermarkets open late and offer a limited range of products. They are typically located in busy areas such as city centres and near transport hubs.
- Discount stores: These supermarkets provide low prices on a wide range of products. They are typically located in out-of-town areas.
- Superstores: These are large supermarkets that offer a wide range of products. They are usually situated in out-of-town areas and have a large car park.
- Warehouse stores: These supermarkets provide low prices on a wide range of products.
Which supermarket is proper for you?
If you are looking for the best supermarket in your area, then it is essential that whatever type of store you choose offers good value and location. Supermarkets should have a wide range of product selections as well!
Specialist Food Store
Organic or not? Muslim or Hindu? Kosher or Halal? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices available at your local supermarket, never fear – we’ve got a handy guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.
- For organic food lovers, Huckleberry Farms and Organics out West are great options.
- Food For Less New Lynn is a good choice if you’re on a budget.
- And for those with special dietary requirements, Refill Nation is a great resource.
- Golden Apple Supermarket is one of the finest Asian supermarkets in the area.
- However, if you are seeking an Indian cuisine shop, Saffron Foods on Universal Drive is a good option.
- Henderson’s Go Dutch Delicatessen is a must-visit.
- Lastly, farmer’s markets are your best choice on weekends for locally grown food.
So whatever your needs, there’s sure to be a supermarket that’s perfect for you.
How Many Supermarkets are there in West Auckland?
There are 17 supermarkets in West Auckland. The four leading supermarket chains are Woolworths, Foodstuffs, Countdown, and Aldi. There are also many independent supermarkets, such as Euro Deli.
What is the Oldest Supermarket in NZ?
The oldest supermarket in NZ is Woolworths. It was founded in 1931, and Auckland?
How supermarkets operate in West Auckland
Have you ever wondered how supermarkets keep their shelves stocked with all of your favourite food items? It may seem like magic, but a lot of hard work and logistics ensure that supermarkets are fully stocked at all times.
In West Auckland, our major supermarkets operate by partnering with wholesale grocers and food distributor companies. These companies provide the supermarkets with a steady supply of food items placed on the shelves for customers to purchase.
In addition to stocking the shelves, supermarket employees also have to restock items that have been sold, clean the store, and organise the products in a way that is easy for customers to find what they need. It is a lot of work, but it is worth it when we can go into our local supermarket and discover everything we need to make a delicious meal.
Wholesalers and Distributors and the Grocery Supply Chain
How do the shelves of your favourite supermarket get stocked? It’s not as straightforward as you may anticipate. In fact, there’s a whole network of companies and farmers working together to ensure your local grocery store has everything it needs.
This network is known as the food supply chain and is a vital part of the food industry. While some companies are responsible for developing new products, others focus on purchasing and selling goods.
And then there are the wholesalers, who play an essential role in keeping the food supply chain running smoothly. As intermediaries between farmers, manufacturers, and retailers, wholesalers help ensure that goods are delivered on time and in good condition.
Without wholesalers, the food industry would grind to a halt. So next time you’re doing your weekly shop, take a moment to appreciate the work of the wholesalers who make it all possible.
Integrated Distributors
Most food retailers, such as Progressive Enterprises, have their own distributorship and stockroom, interacting with wholesalers and getting the food to our supermarket.
- Progressive Enterprises(Woolworths) – (Foodtown, Countdown, Super-Value, and FreshChoice) has one of New Zealand’s largest single food store distribution centres.
- Foodstuffs (PAK’nSAVE and Four Square, New World), which has five Distribution Centres spread over Auckland, complete with big drive-in freezers and large trucks coming and going.
Established Supermarket Food Distributors in New Zealand
If you’re ever curious about who supplies your local supermarket with all of their fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, and dairy, wonder no more!
Some of the biggest names in food service are responsible for keeping supermarket shelves stocked with all essentials.
Fresh Direct, Freshco, and Bidfood are among the biggest sellers of fresh produce, while Dole and Bonza are significant suppliers of bananas. Regarding meat, some of the finest products are available from ANZCO, Cabernet Foods, AFFCO, Auckland Meat Processors, EB Processors, and Goodman Fielder. Fonterra is a trusted source for all things milk-related, while Scott Seafoods provides fresh and frozen seafood options.
Gilmours has been in business for over 100 years and has supplied supermarkets throughout New Zealand with everything from groceries to cleaning supplies.
And when it comes to chilled and frozen foods, Big Chill Distribution is a well-established player in the market.
Supermarket Management
How do supermarkets operate? The answer is: with a whole lot of management!
Supermarkets have to keep track of MILLIONS of items, and they need to do it in real-time. That’s why most supermarkets use real-time inventory management software. This software checks backdoor elements, tracks registration sales and even has automatic reordering systems.
But that’s not all! The supermarket management system also oversees administration. Data management for individual workers, managers, customers, invoicing, etc. It’s a big job, but somebody’s gotta do it!
The Basics of Supermarket Refrigeration
Most people understand the basic arrangement of a supermarket, but few understand how the refrigeration system works to keep food safe and fresh.
A high-quality refrigeration system that maintains constant temperatures throughout the shop is essential for every successful supermarket.
To maintain food safety, shelves should be set in increasing order from lowest to highest cooking temperature. This keeps juices and other liquids from higher temperature cooking items from contaminating dishes that won’t reach that temperature.
It is also critical to keep the refrigerator temperature at 40° F (4° C) and the freezer temperature at 0° F (-18° C). To maintain accuracy, use an appliance thermometer regularly.
The high-pressure, superheated vapour of the refrigerant shifts from the compressors to the condenser. Where it is cooled and turned into a liquid. The liquid then travels via an expansion valve into the evaporator, which absorbs heat from the air and evaporates.
Large supermarkets and speciality food stores both adhere to stringent standards, often in conformity with HACCP food safety criteria.
Let’s Examine a Supermarket’s Daily Operations.
How do supermarkets operate? What goes on behind the scenes to ensure the shelves are always stocked and the produce is always fresh? Let’s take a look at the day-to-day operations of a typical supermarket.
- The first order of business is stocking and ordering. After closing the store late at night, staff bring in large items from the truck and restock the shelves. This allows them to save time in the morning by not having to store the items in the back of the store.
- What does the morning shift at the supermarket look like? The morning staff often give the store a clean-up and restock shelves. Of course, the bakery department is up early preparing baked goods, and the butchery and produce departments are very busy.
- In bigger supermarkets, there may also be a deli counter and a coffee shop that need to be staffed.
- Supermarket cleaning is usually done by independent cleaning firms or specialist cleaning companies. They will use a floor polisher to clean the floors and ensure that the store is clean and presentable for customers.
So there you have it! A behind-the-scenes look at how supermarkets operate on a day-to-day basis.
AI is the Newest Supermarket Employee
How do supermarkets operate? Let’s take a look. Supermarkets use inventory management systems and programs that interact with accounting software and distributors.
Orders are often scanned or physically punched in by the ordering team and personnel, and a comprehensive picture of data on individual commodities may be displayed.
For better or worse, artificial intelligence is taking control. Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics significantly cut food waste while increasing supermarket profitability.
Automation, AI, and machine learning advancements are dramatically improving the ways grocers order and ensuring shelves are well-stocked, even in the face of varying customer requirements and expectations.
As you can see, self-check-outs have advantages and disadvantages, such as missing facetime with workers.
How do you feel about supermarkets using AI? Do you think it’s a good idea? Let us know in the comments!
The Impact of Supermarket Food Safety Regulations
There’s nothing like a clean, well-organised supermarket to give you the confidence that the food you’re buying is safe. The staff take pride in their work when you see that the shelves are orderly and the produce is fresh.
But more importantly, it shows that the supermarket is adhering to food safety standards. HACCP procedures are in place to ensure that food is properly prepared and stored, and regular inspections help identify potential problems that can be corrected immediately.
If you see anything that doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to speak up – your complaint could save a life.
The psychology of supermarkets
The supermarket is an olfactory cornucopia, and it’s easy to get caught up in the choices. Yet have you truly considered what keeps these stores successful? From their strategic placement of produce (which often leads us)to how high shelves are- everything has been carefully planned so that we will spend more money on impulse buys like cookies or french fries instead of buying only what our diet requires at home.
With the fresh produce section at your fingertips, you are more likely to purchase items here. The dairy and meat department is also placed near an entrance – when shoppers enter their store, they feel good about buying these products too!
Not simply what we see influences our purchasing patterns; sounds also have a role. Prices are proclaimed across various parts of a grocery store (enhanced), while special deals appear regularly throughout all regions, making them easier to locate without having to search hard.
Supermarket Marketing Tempts You
The next time you feel overwhelmed by all the choices in the supermarket, remember that you do not imagine things – it’s all part of the store’s marketing strategy. Supermarkets use a technique called loss leaders to lure shoppers in with the promise of a bargain. Once you’re inside, they hope you’ll make impulse purchases of other, more expensive items.
While this can sometimes work to your advantage -if you spot a great deal on an item you were planning to buy, it can also lead to unnecessary spending.
The best way to avoid being manipulated by loss leaders is to have a shopping list and stick to it. That way, you can resist the temptation to splurge on items you don’t really need.
So what’s the truth? It’s probably somewhere in between. There’s no doubt that supermarkets use clever marketing techniques to boost their sales. But at the same time, we’re not powerless against these strategies. If we’re aware of how supermarkets try to influence us, we can make more mindful decisions about our shopping.
New players in West Auckland Supermarket Industry
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With the recent announcement of Costco’s plans to open a colossal box store in West Auckland, the supermarket industry is bracing for a new era of competition. For years, the major supermarkets have enjoyed a dominant market share, but Costco’s low-cost model and membership system are formidable opponents.
Tex Edwards, an economist and former supermarket executive, has even built a replica tomato sauce container to illustrate the supermarket supply chain bottleneck, the rising focus on local goods, and the resulting emissions.
While the supermarkets may not be able to “seize third-generation home companies” to accommodate newcomers, Northelia Capital Partners has proposed allocating 125-150 outlets from each network to a new operator.
The Seven Sharp team introduces us to the forthcoming Monmouth Costco.
TVNZ 1 & Seven Sharp. (2022, April 27). Sneak peek around NZ’s first Costco mega-store. YouTube. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtD_PlHp0D0
Costco is set to open in West Auckland in September, with a promise of as low as 20% of food items being cheaper than what is currently available. Costco is already cheaper for gas, making the membership a drop in the bucket for savings and convenience.
Costco will be open later than other supermarkets, making it even more appealing for those working long hours or with young families. Costco promises to bring considerable savings and convenience to West Auckland residents.
This would give the new player a 15% stake in the $22 billion grocery industry and shake up the status quo. So whether you’re a supermarket giant or a newcomer to the scene, it’s time to watch your back. The competition is heating up in West Auckland.
Pros of the New Costco Store
Costco is opening a new store in West Auckland, and this is good news for everyone who likes to save money on groceries. Costco is recognised for its cheap pricing, and other supermarkets will almost certainly have to decrease their costs in order to compete.
This is especially true. Our government is also introducing new regulations that will help to keep prices down. For example, a new code of conduct for the supermarket industry will limit how much supermarkets can charge for specific products.
These changes are all positive, and they will help to make life more affordable for families in New Zealand. Costco is essential in making these changes possible; we are all better off.
Why do West Auckland supermarkets not sell alcohol?
There’s been a lot of talks lately about why West Auckland supermarkets don’t sell alcohol. The simple answer is that it’s because of the West Auckland / Waitakere Licisencing Trusts, which were set up in the 1970s to restrict alcohol sales in the area. But the real question is, why are these trusts still in place?
The trusts were initially established to prevent New Zealanders from over-consuming alcohol. But nowadays, there are plenty of other places where people can buy alcohol, and there’s no reason New Zealanders shouldn’t be able to buy it in supermarkets.
After all, New Zealand is a world leader in responsible drinking, and no evidence allowing supermarkets to sell alcohol would lead to more problems.
Split amid Licencing Laws Amendments
As a West Aucklander, I’m torn on the issue of changes to the licencing laws. On the one hand, I’m glad we still have access to bars and clubs through the Waitakere Licensing Trust.
However, some of these establishments have been poorly managed, and their buildings are not utilised. I’m not sure what the future holds for West Auckland, but I’m willing to give the Trust the benefit of the doubt and learn more about what it has done for the neighbourhood.
That said, I have one burning question: why do West Auckland supermarkets not sell alcohol? If we’re going to have liquor stores in our neighbourhood, they might as well be convenient!
Alcohol retail businesses and tavern licences are community-controlled to ensure safety. However, many people still sell alcohol online, in wine cellars, clubs, and cafés. I don’t see why the Waitakere Trust can’t collaborate with supermarkets to allow them to sell alcohol. It will mean compromise for these corporations, but it would be a significant step forward for the Trust.
I think the Waitakere Licensing Trust is excellent, while I’m from West Auckland. They’ve helped establish new facilities with community benefits. I believe they’re doing well returning to their roots. Waitakere Licensing Trust, thanks!
Final words on what makes a good supermarket
What really makes a good supermarket? For me, it’s all about the little details that create a positive shopping experience. I appreciate supermarkets that offer value, competitive pricing, the freshness of the product, cleanliness of the store, and stock availability.
While coffee shops are not essential, I love it when they’re included in the supermarket experience. And for me, a good supermarket must have fresh produce, a solid meat department, an excellent clean seafood division, an alcohol beverage section, and a health products section. I also really appreciate free samples and food promotions.
These are just some things that make an excellent supermarket experience for me. Other shoppers may have different priorities, but these are the things that matter most to me. The friendly staff is also important to me – it makes all the difference in creating a positive shopping experience.
What do you think makes a good supermarket? Let me know in the comments below!
Sources of Information
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Four Square. (n.d.). History. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.foursquare.co.nz/about/history
RNZ News. (2022, March 8). Foodstuffs and Countdown “dominate market” but Commerce Commission stops short of radical shake-up. RNZ. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/462908/foodstuffs-and-countdown-dominate-market-but-commerce-commission-stops-short-of-radical-shake-up
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Verdon, J. (2022, March 16). The Pandemic Changed How We Shop For Groceries, Adobe Report Shows. Forbes. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2022/03/15/the-pandemic-changed-how-we-shop-for-groceries-adobe-report-shows/?sh=5a4b85514bb1
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