Australian retail giant Coles Supermarkets has opened a trial of a new convenience store format called Coles Local.
The new pilot store in Ashburton, Melbourne, is a joint convenience store with a focus on fresh food and petrol statio.
The format, new to Australia, is aimed at ‘top-up’ shoppers, and on a visit was referred to as “my pantry” by some customers in the store.
For car commuters travelling home, the site is well located on the outbound side of a major road. Service is receiving top billing, with customers encouraged to shop while their car is being refuelled by staff, who also assist with carrying shopping bags to cars.
While not offering the full range of fresh produce seen in traditional Coles supermarkets, all the most popular fruits and vegetables are available.
The new format’s design puts fresh produce front and centre on attractive wooden displays, and highlights the produce with a full-width glass frontage.
It is the latest step in the development of the retailer’s growth and evolving strategy in the convenience store sector.
