Salt IGA notches fifth award

Salt Village IGA X-press supervisor Derek Forrest, Ray Group chief operating officer Matt Newberry and new manager Paul Johnston celebrate the fifth consecutive year as X-press Retailer of the Year in the IGA Village Awards.

WITH five consecutive award wins before him, new Salt Village IGA X-press manager Paul Johnson has some big shoes to fill.

The Bells Boulevard store recently celebrated its fifth consecutive win as the Retailer of the Year in the X-press category at the IGA Village Awards.

But Mr Johnson, only two weeks into the job, has not been deterred and is determined to carry on the store’s record.

“I’ve got a lot to live up to it, that’s for sure,” Mr Johnson said.

“It’s definitely my desire to live up to the legacy.”

Mr Johnson was previously a duty manager at the nearby Salt Bar before he opted for the change of scenery about 100 metres down the road so he could see more of his children.

“I’ve got a small family now, so I can get home earlier to see them. Before I used to finish well after midnight, but now I can get away a few hours earlier,” he said.

Mr Johnson believed the store’s success was due to its atmosphere.

“We’ve got a lot going for us here, it’s always busy and well-presented,” he said. “That’s what they’re looking for in these awards.”

Ray Group chief operating officer Matt Newberry said he was proud of the store’s achievement.

“The store has been the recipient of this great award for the fifth consecutive year; we are very proud of the business and the team who operate the store,” Mr Newberry said.

“The store saw fantastic trade during December and January with record numbers of people around the village and resorts all contributing to strong sales growth in the village and record sales in the store.

“It has a great range of fresh products, bakery and deli lines to compliment the grocery business, and as we are in a resort precinct we also stock a large variety of items popular with resort guests like hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, pool toys as well as books and magazines.

Mr Newberry said the store would look at introducing an organic and fresh local produce range.

“It’s something the customers have been suggesting,” he said.

All IGA stores are independently owned and operated.

All stores help raise money for their communities through various charities including the IGA Community Chest and the upcoming Mater Little Miracles Easter Appeal which is set to raise up to $45,000 for the Mater Children’s Hospital.