Mount Gambier’s newest supermarket complex opened yesterday, with the Ferrers Street Coles concept store opening its doors for the first time.

The store, which spans more than 3000 square metres, is 50% larger than the city’s Elizabeth Street store, which closed on Tuesday evening.

The occasion was marked with team celebrations including speeches, cake and a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the doors, before keen shoppers raced in to inspect the new premises.

Store Manager Jeff Streatfield, who has worked with Coles for almost 20 years, said he was excited to officially open the doors and share the brand-new store with the local community.

Mr Streatfield said the highly anticipated store was among the biggest and most modern Coles supermarkets in SA and would offer home delivery and click and collect options.

“There’s ever-increasing demand for new and convenient shopping destinations in Mount Gambier, we’re looking forward to offering residents a brand-new supermarket shopping experience,” he said.

“The team and I are also excited to make a real difference in the community.

“The Mount Gambier team has welcomed 20 new team members with the opening of the new store, in a boost for the local economy during what has been a tough time for jobseekers.”

Mr Streatfield said on opening day staff ran a special appeal for food rescue organisation SecondBite to help provide nutritious meals to local charity organisations.