By BRIDGET SCOTT
Trollies on a roll as town welcomes another supermarket…
PAKENHAM’s 11th supermarket was officially opened yesterday when the ribbon was cut at Cardinia Lake Coles.
The new Coles will create 80 jobs at the centre on Windermere Boulevard and would mark the fourth Coles to pop up in the Pakenham area.
Despite the growing number of supermarkets in the shire, state marketing manager Robert Wilson said he was not concerned.
“We have secured sites and are well positioned to service areas all across the township,” he said.
Other Cole’s stores in Pakenham are at Lakeside Square, Heritage Springs and Pakenham Place.
Mr Wilson said the locations across town means the company is well spread out to service different parts of the shire.
The new Coles Cardinia Lakes store is part of a $4 million development and brings the total of Coles staff in Cardinia Shire to more than 400.
Hundreds of customers were expected to turn out to the store for its first day on Wednesday, and many eager shoppers were there with their trollies, ready for the doors to be opened.
One lucky shopper also got to cut the ribbon.
Guests were entertained on the day by the Pakenham Hills Primary School choir which sung Christmas carols after the opening.
Mr Wilson said the store manager of Cardinia Lakes Coles Lia Campbell hopes to engage with the community on a regular basis.
“We would like to be part of the community and are keen to support local schools,” he said.
“We want to be seen to be regularly getting involved.”
Coles Victorian general manager Mark O’Connor agreed, saying that staff are committed to the community.
“Coles is excited to be entering the Cardinia Lakes market as we are committed to supporting Pakenham’s growing population,” he said.
“For residents of Cardinia Lakes this will mean a quick trip to the shops will now be possible, with the convenience of the new Coles store offering them an enjoyable shopping experience.”
Mr O’Connor addressed the 80 Coles staff members before the store officially opened its doors and said that this opportunity only arrives once, and to enjoy the day and its excitement.
The Cardinia Lakes supermarket features fresh fruit which is all Australian grown and produced, as well as an impressive meat and deli section.
The opening of this store was brought forward by three months after construction started in March this year.
Store manager Ms Campbell said she was proud of the new store and hoped to see many more customers coming through its doors.
“It’s a nice store and it looks great,” she said.
