Armidale residents will no longer be constrained to the big two in supermarket chains, with the independent grocer Carlos Super IGA starting fit-out of its new supermarket in the old Bi-Lo store in the Armidale Plaza.
The new Super IGA store, owned by respected grocer Carlo Cavallaro, is scheduled to open on October 15. Cavallaro owns 14 other IGA stores across northern NSW, including one in Walcha, one in Quirindi and two in Tamworth.
“We have been looking at Armidale for a long time,” said Mr Cavallaro.
“Once Dury’s IGA closed down and the opportunity came up in the Armidale Plaza, we decided to take it on.
“We believe there is room for a friendly independent supermarket in Armidale. We are moving into the Armidale Plaza which used to be the centre of Armidale shopping.
“We are hopeful that we can contribute to the Armidale Plaza getting back to the glory that it used to be,” said Mr Cavallaro.
Currently work has begun on the fit-out of the new store and Mr Cavallaro is confident that the store will be ready for the October 15 opening.
The store will have the Super IGA status and customers can expect a one stop supermarket experience.
“We will have a meat department, deli department, fruit market and we are also applying for a liquor licence for a bottle shop,” said Mr Cavallaro.
“Everybody that we have spoken to is very enthusiastic about us moving into town.”
Mr Cavallaro has already received a number of applications for positions at Carlos Super IGA and is committed to employing mostly local people and is expecting to place further advertisement for staff in local newspapers towards the end of September.
Story: Jo Harrison
