What future holds for Mackay’s 24hr IGA after shock sale

Job losses ‘inevitable’ as new team takes on Bridge St supermarket

Perry's IGA grocery manager Kyle Honess. Picture: Heidi Petith

THE team taking over the former Nick's IGA store on Bridge Rd said the focus going forward would be their customers.

The Daily Mercury revealed yesterday that Nick Habgood had sold the supermarket to new owners about three weeks ago.

The store is now part of the Perie's IGA group, joining 12 others across Queensland including two in Rockhampton, one in Yeppoon and another in Proserpine.

Managing the store will be Glenella resident Faye Hudson, who had been managing the Perie's Proserpine store during the week and returning home on weekends.

"It's great to be home and working in my home town," Ms Hudson said.

"I've always wanted to manage this (Bridge Rd) store since the plans were released 15 years ago."

Perry's IGA Mackay produce manager Mary Kime, dairy and freezer manager Luke Ames, store manager Faye Hudson and grocery manager Kyle Honess at the Bridge Rd store. Picture: Heidi Petith

Perie's IGA general manager Sharon Griffin said the Bridge Rd supermarket would keep being open 24 hours a day, the staff would stay and pricing would remain "exactly the same".

"We have not changed a thing except maybe bringing some new opportunities to the store," Ms Griffin said.

"The staff we have there we consider very valuable."

 

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She added they would also take in about 40 per cent of the employees from the soon to be closed Nick's IGA on Shakespeare St.

"We'd like to give everyone a job but we're very mindful we already have a successful crew in the store."

Mr Habgood said he had organised job interviews with the new owners for his full-time staff but inevitably about 10 employees including casuals and juniors may not have a job once the Shakespeare St store closes.

"A few of the older ladies here will probably retire," Mr Habgood said.

Perry's IGA deli manager Elena Williamson serving lunch to Stew Hughes. Picture: Heidi Petith

Ms Griffin thanked Mr Habgood for passing on a shop that was "so well run" and giving them a "great lead" to what they could offer the community.

"We want to be the place for the local community," Ms Griffin said.

 

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"My focus as the general manager is to recognise the importance of our customers.

"That service component is what we're about and satisfying our customers with every opportunity.

"Without my customers, I don't have a business."

Perry's IGA produce manager Mary Kime. Picture: Heidi Petith

Ms Griffin said the owners of the Perie IGA stores had about 20 to 30 years experience across different retail businesses.

"Supermarkets is their passion."

The store will have new signage in the coming weeks, she said.

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