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STORE PROFILE IN ROMA, THE FRESH AROMA OF REVITALISATION Cornetts Supermarkets has completed a full redevelopment of its Roma store in outback Queensland, presenting a new look that really is as fresh as it gets. BAy Lorna Gloria. $2 million investment by the independently owned grocery chain Cornetts Supermarkets in the overhaul of its store at Roma, nearly 500km west of Brisbane, demonstrates its strong commitment to the community and residents of the area. Cornetts acquired the store, in Roma’s town centre, in November 2000. The new building is 1000sqm and features 33 car spaces. Originally occupying just over 500sqm of retail space with three grocery aisles, the store now features a full supermarket offer of 15,000 SKUs along with full fresh departments, hot food, a new bakery and new butchery. The demographic of shoppers the store serves includes farmers, mine workers, gas workers and middle-income earners. “This store overhaul was so comprehensive that we closed the doors for two months to undertake the works,” Cornetts CEO Graham Booysen said. “We’ve revitalised the store from the signage at the front of the store through to a full range of new fridges and freezers, flooring and more.” The store celebrated its reopening on 17 March with ribbon and cake cutting by Mr Booysen together with the Mayor of the Maranoa region, Tyson Golder, while the Lions Club of Roma held a barbecue and radio station 4SB broadcast from the premises. Also featured were a colouring-in competition, plenty of giveaways and double points for all Cornetts Rewards Club members. Mr Booysen also presented the Lions Club of Roma with a $20,000 donation to recognise “their wonderful efforts and help” in providing additional resources for the town. “While we have more refrigeration and freezer space within the store, the renovation will also see a reduction in energy usage by 30 per cent,” he said. “This will reduce the store’s overall environmental footprint, which is something we’re very passionate about. “To reduce our energy use and provide a better experience to our shoppers is definitely a win-win for the area, for us and for the environment.” The new look is bright, open and 6 RETAIL WORLD MAY, 2021 welcoming. The surrounding strip-lit refrigeration provides a sleek new look and encompasses fresh, deli and meat offerings, right through to frozen produce. “We believe that a good supermarket is an integral part of a small town, and our long connection to and investment in Roma is testament to that,” Mr Booysen said. Cornetts supports many towns with local sponsorship, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Drought Angels, and Guide Dogs Queensland, to name a few. “The community feeling runs deep in the Cornetts brand as we believe the store is part of the Roma community and that Roma is part of the Cornetts community,” Mr Booysen said. “Cornetts is committed to delivering quality fresh foods and quality meats at great prices that everyone can afford, and we’re excited to launch the new fresh store look in Roma.” The shopper and retail landscape Cornetts has 33 stores, all based in Queensland, and will be opening its 34th at Capestone in Mango Hill, part of the Moreton Bay region, in October. The retailer is also revamping three stores, having just reopened the Roma store. Cornetts’ sales growth has been in line with the grocery market in the state and