HUNDREDS of people flocked to Woolworths’ new supermarket and liquor store at White Box Rise in Wodonga yesterday.
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Retired couple Colin and Barb Johnson came from the nearby Huon Creek Road area but other shoppers arrived from across the city and beyond, including Albury.
Store manager Michael Donovan, who heads a staff of 150, said they were well-pleased with the first day.
Barbara Johnson and several friends mostly came “to have a look”.
Each bought several items and promised to return, though they said they would still shop in central Wodonga as well.
“I saved $3 on a large jar of Vegemite,’’ Mrs Johnson said.
Her friend, Barb Graham, thought the centre would be even better with a coffee shop.
The $5 million supermarket of 3300 square metres on Victoria Cross Parade anchors a shopping centre built by Joss Construction for Woolworths and has a large car park, security cameras and staff and public toilets.
Also opened yesterday were a Bar Sushi, Funky Cutz hair salon and a Medispar outlet, with other shops yet to be occupied.
A Woolworths Caltex petrol service station next door is almost ready to open.
Wodonga mayor Mark Byatt and member for Indi Sophie Mirabella declared open the store, which has 15 checkouts.
Mr Donovan has 17 years’ experience in Safeway and Woolworths stores on the Border and said the White Box Rise one uses a concept called “2015 Market”, with 97 per cent of its fresh produce grown in Australia.
“We have set about creating a food market which brings customers into the fresh area, inspires meal ideas, provides a wide choice of healthy options and delivers a huge range of grocery lines at great prices,’’ he said.
The store includes a bakery baking fresh bread daily, a delicatessen and butchers, while the Woolworths Liquor store is next door.