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franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
Never a dull moment
Meanwhile, back at the busy Lake Hāwea FreshChoice, Matt and Dixie
are finding it immensely satisfying to be growing a successful business
in a community they’ve built a solid affinity with over the years.
“Every day is different, and there’s never a
dull moment,” is how Matt sums up their
FreshChoice journey. He says they thrive on
the daily challenges the business brings.
“Looking back, we wouldn’t change a
thing,” Matt says. “We’re very pleased with
how we’ve navigated the busy summer
period and we’re so grateful for the
opportunity and the support we’ve been
receiving throughout the process.”
ourist brochures describe the South Island’s Lake Hāwea as an
outdoor adventurers’ paradise – a place of breathtaking scenery and
legendary fishing experiences.
On its southern shores, the fast-growing Lake Hāwea township is home to
one of the latest FreshChoice community-based supermarket franchises,
proudly owned by Matt and Dixie Gallaher, residents of the town. For
Matt, whose 15-year career spans several well-known retail brands,
investing in the franchise in 2024 has been a long-held dream come true.
“Being owner-operators of our own franchise business, serving the
community we live in has always been our dream,” says Matt. He adds
that having the ability to employ and support local people is also a major
bonus. It’s the sole supermarket in the district and during busy periods
the couple can employ up to 20 people, including students.
They describe the help they’ve had from Craig Steenson, FreshChoice’s
franchise development manager, as ‘incredible’. They also can’t speak
highly enough about the ongoing help they receive from their support team.
“I enjoyed six months training at various FreshChoice stores before we
opened our store and that support has never stopped,” says Matt.
“Not only is there a whole framework behind you to ensure you never face
fresh challenges alone, but also a network of other FreshChoice franchise
owners who’re there to assist if needed,” he says.
The bigger picture
Currently there are opportunities across New Zealand for hands-on retailers
to own and operate their own FreshChoice supermarket. This exciting
business opportunity has the full backing and considerable resources of
Wholesale Distributors Ltd, subsidiary of Woolworths New Zealand.
There is a real passion to grow FreshChoice in the supermarket sector
right across New Zealand, reports Craig. He says prospective FreshChoice
franchisees must not just have an absolute passion for retail, but also
a desire to be immersed in their local community – among people who
make up the bulk of their customers. It would be beneficial to have at
least five years’ experience as a business owner or leader in some kind
of business management role, and some retail industry knowledge would
also help new franchisees make the transition, he says.
“In addition to individual stores, multi-ownership is an option – several of
our existing franchisees have two or more stores, which can provide some
economies of scale and potentially an even greater return on investment.”
Geared for your success
FreshChoice stores have a highly supportive matrix to ensure franchisees
achieve and maintain success. There are clear step-by-step processes
to assist with the smooth daily running of the business and a robust
onboarding process tailored to the individual owner.
It’s a business opportunity with no hidden surprises, and full support
services provided to the entire franchise network, regardless of
development stage. Franchisees are encouraged to share ideas and
experiences with each other. Group meetings and an annual conference
provide an opportunity to review progress, plan the year ahead, discuss
new developments, and network. For FreshChoice, this a partnership -
it’s about everyone working together to ensure they all are, and
stay, successful.
UNLEASH YOUR PASSION
Opportunity: Retail
FOR RETAIL
FreshChoice is the franchise that places
you at the heart of your community.
FreshChoice
www.freshchoice.co.nz
Contact
Craig Steenson
027 262 3175
craig.steenson1@
woolworths.co.nz
Advertiser Info
Dixie and Matt Gallaher
Wholesale Distributors Limited (WDL) is the franchisor for the
FreshChoice group of supermarkets. WDL have supermarkets
nationwide, but are always looking for new and exciting
opportunities to expand throughout New Zealand.
WDL is a division of Woolworths New Zealand (WWNZ). WWNZ
in turn is 100% owned by Woolworths Limited which is one of
Australasia’s largest retailers.
All our stores are locally owned and operated. Our owners and
store teams care about building strong connections to the
communities they serve, and are constantly striving to inspire
and engage customers. We are proud of the passionate people
that represent FreshChoice, and they in turn are proud to be
advocates of it.
If this sounds like an opportunity you are interested in, please
get in touch with Operations Manager Craig Steenson from the
contact details below:
are you
Interested in
becoming a local
Supermarket
owner?
craig.steenson1@woolworths.co.nz
027 262 3175
www.freshchoice.co.nz/about/franchise-opportunities/