Set to become their flagship, White’s IGA will open a sixth store next week at the official launch of the Forest Glen Village expansion on December 14.
A Queensland-owned grocery chain promising good old-fashioned customer service, owners of White’s IGA, Roz and Michael White, are personally involved in every detail of their growing empire.
In a time of mass production and economies of scale, White’s approach is refreshingly small-scale. Roz White says there’s no detail too small for their attention. Everything from stock to refrigeration, suppliers, employees, and even the fittings and hardware have been personally overseen by her.
“Every element and every detail of our stores is intimately selected, and our Forest Glen store is no different.
“From the dining table in Grace & Grace, named after Michael and my grandmothers that has seen many a White family dinner, to the Butchery we have named “Sonny’s” that pays homage to my dad’s dog who lived with us for 18 months after dad passed away – every element tells a story,” she said.
With links to the past, Roz White said she and husband, Michael were inspired when they learned about the site’s history.
“The inspiration for our Forest Glen store comes from the original roadside stores that date back to the 1940s when the Gibbin’s family sold oranges and pineapples.
“That is why we have a “Gibbins Boulevard” in our store, as it was Grandma Gibbins who was responsible for naming this suburb Forest Glen,” she said.
Committed to supporting local producers and contractors, Roz continued: “Supporting local is at the heart of everything we do and wherever possible, we support local.”
This ethos extends not just to local producers, but also was front of mind when the Whites put the design and construct contract out to tender.
Winning the contract in November 2021, Tomkins Commercial is a Queensland-based construction company that estimates approximately 90 per cent of the subcontractor engaged in the project were local tradies.
Barry Lehmann, Construction Manager at Tomkins’ Sunshine Coast, said: “Over the past 12 months, we have successfully navigated more than 61 days of rain, clocking 67,000 man-hours to successfully construct three mixed-use retail buildings as part of the Forest Glen Village Centre expansion.
“In the process, we have created more than 100 full-time jobs whilst sourcing much of the materials used in construction from local suppliers.
“The end result is a project that has been built on the foundations of local collaboration and respect – something both Tomkins Commercial and the Sunshine Coast community are renowned for,” he said.
Hosting the official opening ceremony will be well know Australian actor and comedian Shane Jacobson as well as special guests Mayor Mark Jamieson and Ted O’Brien MP.
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Best trading ever to Michael and Roz White you are very professional operators . May your registers over flow with money. Wish you all the best to you both and your staff .