Coles Local, Newport: Customers split over radical revamp of northern beaches supermarket

Supermarket shoppers are divided over plans to transform a traditional Coles supermarket on the northern beaches into a “boujee” outlet that could be more attractive to cashed-up locals.

The Coles supermarket on Barrenjoey, Rd, Newport, pictured on Friday, will be “refreshed” into a Coles Local outlet that will offer supermarket essentials as well as a “thoughtfully curated selection of local and artisan products”. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

A traditional Coles supermarket on the northern beaches is being “refreshed” into a more “boujee” outlet, the retail giant has confirmed.

There has been rampant local speculation that the store on Barrenjoey Rd in Newport will be transformed into a Coles Local outlet, with fears it will become more expensive.

Some residents, who have been bombarding community social media sites with their concerns, say there will be less choice of goods and that supermarket staples like fresh bread, seafood and deli goodies will disappear.

“Really disappointing, great community store, well stocked and great staff, plus fresh bakery and deli,” a local posted on the Newport Community Facebook page.

“If it’s downsizing then I’ll be going to Woolies now in Mona Vale. Shame. It was so convenient,” another resident wrote.

The Coles Local at Manly is popular with ferry and bus commuters, for its Grab & Go food items. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

But others are looking forward to the new format.

“It will be more boujee and be very popular here in Newport where people have a bit of money,” one local told this masthead.

Another posted: “Good to see Coles investing in the existing store and not trying to expand … long live the peaceful town we have.”

Coles head office is reassuring customers the revamp will increase the number of products available at the “same standard shelf prices as our traditional supermarkets”.

The interior of the Coles Local outlet in Manly. Picture: Jim O’Rourke.

The seafood section at Coles Local in Manly. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

The interior of the Coles Local outlet in Manly. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

It said people could still do their regular weekly shop of supermarket essentials at the new store, while benefiting from a range of goods that were “tailored” to local shopping tastes and trends.

Some of the 27 Coles Local stores open around the country have boutique offerings such as self-serve fresh pasta, scoop-and-weigh pet treats, Japanese mochi (cakes and pastries) bars and use-your-own container refill stations for laundry.

A Japanese mochi bar could be one the new features at the Coles Local in Newport. Picture Supplied.

“We may look a bit fancy but don’t worry, you can still do your full shop with all the products you need,” it said in a marketing blurb.

A Coles spokesman told this masthead the “refreshed store format is set to be tailored to meet the needs of the Newport community” and there would be a “thoughtfully curated selection of local and artisan products”.

A pet treat bar could also be popular at the new Newport store. Picture: Supplied

A laundry powder refill station could be part of the new Newport store. Picture: Supplied

“Customers will also notice and get to enjoy a range of innovations that aren’t in our traditional stores,” the spokesman said

The Coles Local outlet will have a full-service deli, with fresh seafood.

It is understood the store will close from mid-January for several weeks to allow the new fit-out.

During the closure, Coles at Mona Vale will be available for customers who want to shop instore and home deliveries are available.