COLES will create 17 extra jobs and build its team to more than 100 employees when it opens its new-look supermarket today.
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The refurbished Coles Mount Isa will boast 3000 new product lines and include fresh produce on ice, a new-look self-service delicatessen offering specialty cheeses and an olive bar, as well as a new meat range and freezer department.
To celebrate the completion of the refreshed supermarket and Mount Isa Village, Coles will hold an official opening and also unveil a commemorative plaque to recognise the indigenous artwork gracing the centre’s new external facade.
As part of the centre’s redevelopment by joint owners ISPT and Coles, artwork by local indigenous artist Sheree Blackley was transposed on to panels and installed on the Simpson Street side of Mount Isa Village.
Coles general manager for Queensland Mark Scates said Coles’ investment in Mount Isa Village, including the refurbished Coles store, would create an enhanced shopping experience for customers.
“We’re pleased to celebrate two significant milestones in Mount Isa – the new store will offer more employment opportunities to locals and the unveiling of the artwork and commemorative plaque stand as a daily reminder of the town’s indigenous history,” he said. “The new-look store at Mount Isa represents an investment of more than $30 million in new and renewed stores across Far North Queensland in the past five years, offering even greater value on fresh food and groceries.
“Coles is focused on creating strong connections with indigenous communities and maintaining relationships with indigenous businesses. Sheree’s artwork and the commemorative plaque is our way of integrating this focus in the Mount Isa community.”
The artwork titled After the Rains was inspired by the time that indigenous families spent together after the rains, when they would gather to share food and stories.
Mount Isa store manager Dylan Every said Blackley was the perfect person to create the Mount Isa Village artwork.
“Sheree is a descendant of the Kalkadoon tribe, the traditional owners of the Mount Isa region, and is a born and bred Mount Isa local. She still lives here with her husband, Will, and their children,” he said.
“The redevelopment of Mount Isa Village and the renewal of Coles Mount Isa is a great reward for almost 40 years in business – a milestone our store we will be celebrating next year.
“This store has been part of the community since December 1975, and the renewal is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers who regularly visit Coles Mount Isa, and to our team members who deliver quality service and value day-in and day-out.
“We have introduced more than 3000 new product lines as a result of the renewal, many of which have been sourced from Queensland suppliers, including Mungalli Creek Dairy, Queensland Yoghurt, Bundaberg Juice, and Mackay’s Harbourside Seafood.”
Coles Mount Isa is celebrating the store’s renewal with specials across all departments, and customers will receive an exclusive offer from the opening day catalogue redeemable in-store.