NewsBite

Residents ecstatic over highly anticipated Woolworths Gabuda-Gordonvale

Far North residents have eagerly awaited the launch of a new supermarket that was a decade in the making. READ WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Woolworths Gordonvale

GORDONVALE residents queued outside in the hope of being the first through the doors when the town’s newest supermarket opened on Wednesday.

After a decade of legal wrangles and delays, Woolworths Gabuda-Gordonvale finally opened for business and the customer feedback was positive.

Woolworths Gabuda-Gordonvale opens with Scan & Go technology

Store manager, Geoffrey Pearcy, said he was confident they will beat their projected sales for the day with trolley shoppers keeping every check-out lane busy.

“It’s been busier than we expected which is awesome, we feel really embraced by the community,” he said.

Store manager Geoff Pearcy said the first day of the new Woolworths Gabuda-Gordonvale was busier than they expected. Picture: Brendan Radke
Store manager Geoff Pearcy said the first day of the new Woolworths Gabuda-Gordonvale was busier than they expected. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We’re a real supermarket now.”

Among the stocked aisles, easy-to-navigate layout and modern furnishings was a local shopper Naomie Mills, who was wide-eyed at the sight.

Gordonvale Woolworths shopping centre construction officially begins

“I wasn’t expecting it to be like this, it’s really done well,” she said.

“It’s so convenient, it’s only five minutes down the road from me now.”

Brinsmead resident Madeline Farrall was in the area and came across the store by chance.

Online team member Matt Berkery delivers groceries to a customer's car using the Direct to Boot service which is available at the Woolworths Gabuda-Gordonvale. Picture: Brendan Radke
Online team member Matt Berkery delivers groceries to a customer's car using the Direct to Boot service which is available at the Woolworths Gabuda-Gordonvale. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Everything’s easy to find, it’s open, it’s more organised than any other Woolworths I’ve been to,” she said.

“The area needed this.”

Gordonvale resident Brett Campbell said he was happy to see the new store after recently returning from interstate

“It was a hassle getting to our last grocery store with all the road works and whatnot and we’re pretty much two minutes down the road now,” he said.

Brett Campbell and his sons Jack Campbell, 4, and Luke Campbell, 2, do their weekly shop in the fresh bakery section. Picture: Brendan Radke
Brett Campbell and his sons Jack Campbell, 4, and Luke Campbell, 2, do their weekly shop in the fresh bakery section. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I never thought I’d get excited about a supermarket.”

Kierra King was eager to see how the supermarket will stand the test of time days, weeks and months after the opening.

“It’s does look to be more stocked but again it’s the first day so I’m hoping it stays that way,” she said.

Cairns: Gordonvale Woolworths housing estate subdivision plan gets extension request

Ms King was most excited to see the store’s Scan & Go technology which allows customers to scan item barcodes as they shop before reaching the checkout.

“It sounds interesting, I’d definitely give it a go,” she said.

Harlyn Mills, 4, helps her mother Naomie Mills and Jai Mills, 2, pick out treats in the fresh bakery section. Picture: Brendan Radke
Harlyn Mills, 4, helps her mother Naomie Mills and Jai Mills, 2, pick out treats in the fresh bakery section. Picture: Brendan Radke

The shopping centre has seven specialty retailers and about 200 carpark spaces.

Retailers include Gordonvale Noodle House, a pharmacist, Discount Drug Store, Cignall, and JSL Phone Repairs, with more to come.

Mr Pearcy said the new Woolworths store would provide 100 local jobs, including 44 new team members and 19 First Nations team members.

Originally published as Residents ecstatic over highly anticipated Woolworths Gabuda-Gordonvale

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/cairns/residents-ecstatic-over-highly-anticipated-woolworths-gabudagordonvale/news-story/ff5995e2bc73dee9d3f1aa21879ec9fa