Coles’ longest serving employee shares 53 years of memories

Long-time regulars at this supermarket in Melbourne’s south may recognise Graeme Beswick’s smiling face when doing their weekly shop. The Oakleigh man opens up on being at the retail giant for an amazing 53 years.

Graeme Beswick, Coles' longest serving employee, at the retail giant’s Prahran supermarket.

Graeme Beswick is Coles’ best pick.

In 1965, the then 14-year-old started his first job in Coles Chadstone’s fruit department.

Mr Beswick, now 68, recently celebrated 53 years with the supermarket giant — making him the company’s longest serving full-time employee.

“I really never thought I’d be (the longest),” he said.

“In a sense it’s like a family — the customers and the staff,” he said.

“It’s a good feeling to be wanted in that way.”

Coles Prahran on Chapel St has been a Coles since 1969.

The Oakleigh man — who now oversees produce delivery at Coles Prahran, where he has worked for 29 years — said he hoped to keep working while he still could.

“I’m still here, and still happy to do the work,” he said.

Coles Prahran reopened on Chapel St this week after seven weeks of renovations.

The 1902 building has been a Coles since 1969.

“It’s a big change for the store but they’ve done a really good job — it’s going to improve the whole area,” Mr Beswick said.

Coles Prahran store manager Steve Filianos said the new-look store would reinvigorate Chapel St.

The new team at Coles Prahran ahead of their reopening.

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“Prahran is a vibrant and eclectic suburb, and we know there is the need for a quick and easy, convenient shopping destination,’ he said.

The store has a larger health and sporting food category, an “on-the-go” convenience offering, Coles Fresh Kitchens range and an expanded Greek and Mediterranean product line.

The reopening of comes ahead of the completion of a multi-level carpark at the back of the property, a project led by the City of Stonnington.