A busy Sunshine Coast supermarket is set to be revitalised after its sister store was acknowledged with a major award.
White’s IGA Bli Bli is poised to undergo some changes as the grocery chain continues to enhance its offerings around the region.
The improvements will follow the expansion of White’s IGA Mooloolah and a state accolade for White’s IGA Forest Glen.
White’s Grocers co-founder and co-owner Roz White outlined the business’ next steps, without giving too much away.
“We will turn our attention to our Bli Bli store,” she said.
“It is now 12 years since we built it.
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“I am already cooking up some ideas to freshen up the store and bring some exciting new elements to this beautiful mothership store.”
Roz and Michael White purchased IGA Bli Bli in 2004 and demolished and rebuilt it as White’s IGA Bli Bli 2013.
On the town’s main street, it is arguably the most well-known of their six stores and offers a range of locally sourced products.
But their newest store, which opened at Forest Glen in 2022, recently stole the spotlight.
It was adjudged the Medium Store of the Year at the IGA Queensland and Northern NSW Awards of Excellence.
Metcash Queensland and Northern NSW general manager Roy Leisk said the supermarket “showcases what IGA represents”.
“(It is) a local store focusing on point-of-difference local and value proprietary lines,” he said.
“This store boasts a large gourmet section, gifting range, chocolateries and extensive fresh, grocery and dairy/freezer departments.
“In a short time, it has developed a reputation of quality, range and great service with shoppers from across the Sunshine Coast.
“The decor, befitting of the region and a tribute to the past, makes it stand out and a comfortable, memorable shopping experience.”
Ms White welcomed the award.
“Michael and I are super proud of our team and their dedication to serve our community with compassion, pride and commitment,” she said.
“This award is a reflection of their hard work to strive for retail excellence every day.”
The store features design elements that pay tribute to the region and the past.
As customers enter the market-style layout, they see a ‘street’ sign aptly named Gibbins Boulevard as a mark of recognition of the local Gibbins family and other farming families of the area.
The in-store gift and homeware shop is named Grace and Grace in honour of the Whites’ grandmothers and is home to Mrs White’s own family dining table. There’s even a nearby popcorn and confectionary stand.
White’s IGA Forest Glen also claimed the Medium Bakery Department of the Year Award, the Medium Dairy and Freezer Department of the Year Award, the Medium Delicatessen Department of the Year Award and the Rising Star Award, for store manager Karen Baker.
White’s IGA Forest Glen will progress to the National Awards of Excellence in July, where they will be up against their state category winners across Australia.
Meanwhile, White’s IGA Baringa won an award for Large Bakery Department of the Year.
“White’s IGA Baringa is the go-to destination for local shoppers when it comes to all things bakery,” Mr Leisk said.
“Shoppers will find everything from sweet cakes, fresh baked biscuits to artisan breads and savoury lines.
“The department is continually evolving to meet the needs of the rapidly changing and expanding population.”
