By David Russell
Independent supermarkets in South Australia make up a whopping 32 per cent of the market, almost double the proportion of their closest rivals on the East Coast.
Chief Executive of South Australian Independent Retailers Colin Shearing told Inside South Australia the sector is so strong because South Australians choose to invest in other South Australians.
“We are parochial… our consumers love to support fellow South Australians, particularly those who own businesses,” he said.
“(Independent retailers) support local communities, local producers, local foods, local fruit and veg, that’s what we’re all about and we source as much as we can from South Australia.”
Colin has been in the media advocating for his members in response to the opening of the first Aldi store in South Australia this morning at Parafield Gardens. He said the expansion of Aldi in South Australia would have an impact on independents, but that they welcomed the competition.
“There will be some impact on independents, there will be an impact on everyone because… the pie remains the same.
“(But) we are here to stay in South Australia, our owners… are extremely competitive and will continue to be as innovative and competitive as they can be.”
That innovation includes some Foodland stores, such as Frewville, choosing not to use self check-out, expansive deli sections at many outlets and a focus on targeting a new shopping trend of using baskets rather than doing the big once-a-week stock-up.
“Many of our stores are changing the whole way in which they go about their business. We want to be a one-stop-shop where you can get all your food and groceries and get it fresh. The other thing we want to do is support the local butcher, the local news agent.
“Every time you spend a dollar in an independently-owned supermarket we know where the money goes; it goes back into South Australia. We want to make sure we keep it in the family, keep it in South Australia.”
South Australian Independent Retailers represents independently-owned retail grocery stores, including those under the Foodland, IGA and Friendly Groser brands. There are 15,000 people employed in South Australia’s 236 independent supermarkets.
Foodland is a Brand South Australia member.