News
8 July, 2022
New owners for IGA Wamuran
MORE local products and an expanded deli are among the plans for IGA Wamuran, with the supermarket undergoing a change of ownership.
The ownership changed hands on Tuesday June 21, with Brett and Leanne Bugg taking over the reins, to add to their ownership of IGA stores in northern New South Wales locations Murwillumbah and Tweed Valley.
Mr Bugg said he and his wife had bought a farm in Monsildale and had started running a cattle farm, before an unexpected opportunity arose at IGA Wamuran.
During a drive from Monsildale through Wamuran, Mr Bugg dropped in at the supermarket to buy a can of Coke and ended up buying the supermarket about 30 minutes later.
Mr Bugg conversed with the owners Brett Rigby and Kim Hall, having known them through state conferences, and the owners said they were looking at selling the Wamuran-based store.
“We sat down and looked at the books,” Mr Bugg said.
Mr Bugg quipped that it was the most expensive can of Coke he had ever bought!
After IGA Wamuran underwent changes last year including new carpet, lighting, drawers, shelves, a flower stand and a giftware stand, Mr Bugg said Mr Rigby and Ms Hall “have done a fantastic job (with the store) to get it where it is”.
Ms Hall meanwhile is continuing at IGA Wamuran as a manager, while all other regular staff are also staying put.
The management is also looking at hiring additional local staff in the future.
Ms Hall said she looked forward to the changes, and contributing to a better shopping experience for the local community.
Mr Bugg said IGA Wamuran was a bit smaller than the other IGA stores he and his wife have owned, but that there was “so much opportunity” with the Wamuran supermarket.
“We can make it a destination store,” he said.
Mr Bugg said one side of the store would likely be transformed as the new owners sought fresh deli, with a big increase in local fresh produce, as well as items like honey and specialty nuts.
Local products was something Mr Bugg emphasised strongly.
“It’s all about the demographic, and tailoring to that demographic,” Mr Bugg said.
“We need to make the store reflect what the customers want.”
Mr Bugg said it was also important to link with schools, sporting clubs and community groups.
“Some people hate shopping, especially grocery shopping, but we like to make it exciting for people,” he said.
