Lenard’s and White’s IGA Group, two Queensland-based companies, are this year celebrating 30 years of collaboration and success.
In 1993, Michael and Roz White left their careers in banking and purchased a 90m2 NightOwl convenience store on the Sunshine Coast.
“Our motivation to buy our first store was to remain on the Sunshine Coast and make it our home. We slowly bought small and older stores and built them up until we purchased our first IGA store in 2004,” explained Roz White.
The couple, who are now the owners of six White’s IGA independent supermarkets on the Sunshine Coast, said their step into retail was a steep learning curve.
“To say we were green would be the understatement of the century, but we quickly learned, adapted, worked hard and are still learning new tricks 30 years on.”
Being independent supermarket operators, building meaningful and lasting relationships with customers, the industry, and community was paramount. One such relationship is that with Australian chicken brand Lenard’s.
“We have stocked Lenard’s products in our stores for as long as I can remember. I believe we gained greater access to the products when the brand moved away from the exclusive standalone franchise model.
“Offering our customers this value-add line at the time of availability brought some excitement to our delis and meat offer,” explained Roz.
White’s IGA stocks a large-scale of Lenard’s goods, ranging from Enchiladas, Schnitzels Sausages and Kievs across deli serviced and fresh meat.
“The decision was made to stock Lenard’s many years ago, however, each store currently stocks most lines, and our instore butchers maintain the range to complement their fresh meat.
“Where possible we do a block display of Lenard’s products in the meat section to enhance brand presence and provide customers with a broad selection.”
Lenard’s has a similar arc to that of White’s IGA, with founder Lenard Poulter opening his first store in 1987 at Sunnybank Hills in Brisbane and is now stocked at 23 locally owned stores and over 600 independent supermarkets around the country.
“The Lenard’s brand is trusted, well recognised, and loved by customers. Consistency stands brands such as Lenard’s in good stead with some good old favourites that our customers love coming back for,” said Roz.
White’s IGA’s are located at Bli Bli, Mooloolah, Mount Coolum, Peregian Beach, Baringa and Forest Glen.
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