CHP Magazines Summer 2020-17 | Page 55

IGA Tweed Valley The Tweed Valley IGA is Murwillumbah’s local supermarket, this modern and well appointed store is located opposite the tranquil Tweed River and is where the locals like to shop. We got a chance to check it out for ourselves and this is what we found out. How long has IGA Tweed Valley been operating? We opened 28 April 2015. Who are your main types of customers? We cover all ranges of people in our store. What is it about your store that is distinctly different from other supermarkets? We heavily support local products in our store. We also have a fresh seafood section. We have an amazing deli in which a lot of the food is made in store. The owners of the store live in the town and support local charities and sporting teams. What are the changes in peoples buying habits you have noticed over the past couple of years? People shop daily and are looking for the next exciting fad or hype, and also shop to the weather. What are the fastest moving categories within your store? Gluten free , vegan and just any line that is new and different What trends do you predict over the next twelve months? Game meat, protein meals or portion control meals. People want things to be easiler as we work longer hours What made you decide to introduce the natural health foods and wellness products into your business? As much as people are looking for convenience, I think people are better educated towards healthy eating and with all the cooking shows on TV, people are looking to challenge themselves more. Where do you see the natural health sector heading in the next couple of years? To increase in a big way. What changes would you like to see occur within the natural health and wellness sector? More companies need to drive pricing down. It is still expense to eat heatlh consciously. What excites you about working at IGA Tweed Valley? The opportunity to be part of a community and help drive the town forward. It also helps having a store owner whom allows me to run the supermarket my way . What’s the best thing about your job? It always changes and is always a challenge. Summer 2020 55