Mount Gambier is set to welcome a new grocery retailer to the city, with Drakes Supermarkets announcing the upcoming opening of its 69th store, located at the former Coles site in the heart of the CBD.
After four years of vacancy, Drakes is breathing new life into the site, bringing a fresh and unique shopping experience to the local community.
The James Street site is a joint purchase and development project with Leyton Property, and a full refit will commence in the coming weeks.
The store will become Drakes’ newest flagship store, creating over 150 new job opportunities for the region.
The reopening is particularly significant for Drakes’ Managing Director Roger Drake.
Over 50 years ago, he managed this very Coles store in Mount Gambier, before leaving to open his own store.
After building Drakes into the successful family-owned business it is today, Roger is returning to where it all began.
“It’s a full circle moment for me,” Roger said.
“I was once told I’d never make it in this industry. Coming back to revive this store for the Mount Gambier community is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Roger’s son John-Paul “JP” Drake said the Mount Gambier community can look forward to an enhanced shopping experience, featuring an expanded range of products tailored to meet the needs of locals, an extensive meat selection and quality fresh produce and a full-service delicatessen offering freshly sliced meats.
Drakes will also introduce its innovative concepts, including The Little Kitchen, where customers can enjoy hot meals and salads made to order; and a café wall for quick and convenient on-the-go options.
“South Australia does not just end at Adelaide, and the Blue Lake City has been neglected for far too long. We have heard the people loud and clear and we are excited to be bringing the Drakes offer to Mount Gambier,” JP said.
“I’m so happy Coles told dad he would never make it in this very store. Amazing what some hard work and support from the people around you can do.
“We’re looking forward to getting this support from the people of Mount Gambier and becoming a part of the local community. Drakes is committed to providing the Mount Gambier community with a trusted, family-owned store, that delivers exceptional value, high-quality products, competitive prices and the outstanding customer service the community deserves.”
Roger said he was thrilled to be able to open a store in the Blue Lake city.
“We have a proud history and commitment to reinvesting our profits back into the state and communities in which we live and operate,” he said.
“We understand the customer is our boss, if they’re not happy, we’re not happy.”
Speaking to The SE Voice yesterday, JP Drake said he and his father were beyond excited about opening the Mount Gambier store.
“Dad and I snuck down there a while ago … to make the final decision and I felt like I was in Hamilton Island, just a bit cooler,” he said.
“The visuals, it was amazing, the big Blue Lake when we flew in.
“South Australia does not just end at Adelaide, it’s Mount Gambier’s turn, we are excited, it’s one of the most requested places to open a supermarket that I get on my own socials and on Drakes’s socials, so between us it’s right up there as the number one place to open a store.”
JP said he felt “sorry for people” having to look at the old Coles building, which has sat vacant for four years.
“One of the big things, we are open for what the community wants in our local store … that carpark is shite, we are definitely going to fix up the carpark as soon as possible, we are going to put shade sales up so customers can come if it’s too hot or raining,” he said.
“We will be redesigning the store. The air conditioning, heating and roof are all being replaced, we are going to fit it out with a minimum $5m fit out.”
JP said there would be all the bells and whistles included in the store, similar to their Adelaide premises, including a Little Kitchen concept, café wall, hot coffee, thick shake machines, a range of hot foods, sushi, orange juice and popcorn.
“You know how the other competition is closing delis and making them smaller? We will have a deli bigger than Coles and Woollies in Mount Gambier,” he said.
“There will be a full service, a full range of groceries and full range of products you cannot get anywhere else. Our specials are going to be far stronger that any you have had in the area beforehand.
“We really want to make sure that people get the service we are talking about.”
JP said there would be a minimum of 150 jobs created, with the possibility of more if the community supports the store.
“If we trade well that could be even higher,” he said.
“Applications will open around June … if anyone has a resume hit us up online.”
JP said he had a September date in mind for the opening, which he believed was achievable.
“The local council has been really, really on the front foot supporting us on this,” he said.
“We are very proud to say they are helping us get the project started in such a swift manner.
“We are definitely excited … we want to invest in our other metro cities, we are long term players in this industry.”
