First look inside Mount Gambier’s new Coles supermarket Wednesday’s launch

A pet treat bar, self-serve coffee and home delivery are among the modern additions to Mount Gambier’s brand new Coles supermarket set to open this week.

The deli at Mount Gambier's new-look Coles store. Picture: Jessica Ball.

Mount Gambier will be home to one of South Australia’s biggest and most modern Coles outlets when the new supermarket opens on Wednesday.

Around 50 per cent larger than the city’s current Coles, the new-look store has been fitted out with extra conveniences – right down to trolleys with cup holders to take advantage of a self-serve coffee station.

Store manager Jeff Streatfield has a 20 year history with the business and said he was excited to open the doors and share the new grocery shopping experience with the community.

Store manager Jeff Streatfield is excited to open the new Mount Gambier Coles on Wednesday. Picture: Jessica Ball

“We’re trying to really make a convenience for the customers and make their shopping experience a pleasure and easier,” Mr Streatfield said.

“It’s got all the bells and whistles, all the new, modern concepts like the Urban Coffee, the flat bread, food to go, the convenience range, the pet food treats, scoop and weigh.”

Construction began in February and the new building includes a modern bakery which will serve up freshly baked flatbread.

The store also features a pet treat bar, a large range of to go meals and new style check-outs which allow for social distancing and for customers to choose how their bags are packed.

Mr Streatfield said a number of features were also added to the Mount Gambier store in line with customer demand, including more self-serve check outs with cash facilities and highly anticipated home delivery service.

“If you compare this store to the old store we’ve gone with more cash and card because that’s what the customers wanted,” he said.

Mount Gambier's new Coles store includes a pet treat bar. Picture: Jessica Ball

“We had click and collect but now we’ve got home delivery on top of that.

“I know the customers have been asking for it for many years and we took that into consideration and just made that happen for the community.”

All staff employed at the current site will make the move to the new store and Mr Streatfield said the opening had also created 25 new jobs in a boost for the local economy during what has been a tough time for jobseekers.

The current Elizabeth Street store will close at 6pm on Tuesday before the new store 11 Ferrers Street opens at 8am on Wednesday.

An adjoining Liquorland is also set to open at a later date.