Progressive Enterprises Limited

Countdown today announced that its Ferrymead supermarket, which was badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes, will be demolished and rebuilt*.

Countdown’s Managing Director Dave Chambers said Countdown Ferrymead was badly affected following the Christchurch earthquakes on February 22 and June 13.

“Our landlord at Countdown Ferrymead has advised us that its insurers are of the view that it will be more economical to rebuild the store than to repair it,” Mr Chambers said.

Mr Chambers said Countdown supported the decision and was committed to working with the landlord to replace and reopen Countdown Ferrymead.  In addition, no employees will be without a job as a result of the decision.  

“Our team members from Countdown Ferrymead were advised last Thursday regarding the future of the store and all team members have retained employment with us in other stores in the Christchurch area.

“When the earthquake struck, we made a commitment to providing ongoing employment for all 2,250 team members in the Christchurch area as we worked to reopen all of our stores, and we stand by that commitment.

“We will now start work on plans with the Landlord to build a new generation Countdown supermarket, which will service the local community long into the future,” Mr Chambers said.

The new supermarket will feature an expansive fresh produce section and wide aisles which will make it easy for customers to navigate the huge selection of groceries on offer. Behind the scenes, the store will also feature a range of environmental initiatives including a CO2 refrigeration plant system that will give significant energy efficiency benefits. Night blinds on refrigerated cabinets, sliding covers on freezers and energy efficient lighting among other things will also help minimize the store’s carbon footprint.

* Subject to the appropriate consents and approvals being obtained.

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