Lou to star in IGA ad
FNQ business icon perfect campaign fit
A CAIRNS business icon’s love of serving people and unwavering commitment to customer service is the reason for Lou Piccone beating store owners from across the country to star in a national campaign.
Mr Piccone, 84, was chosen out of 1400 store owners to be the face of IGA’s national campaign called Celebrate the Great Aussie Local. “I loved people, I loved serving people, all different characters. It was second nature,” he said.
He was chosen in recognition of his continued commitment to the local community over his last few decades as an IGA owner.
As the face of the campaign, Mr Piccone will be able to tell his story through a heartwarming video which will air on TV across Queensland, in local cinemas and on the web.
Mr Piccone was born at the height of the Great Depression in 1934. “We could not afford to buy things. We could not afford to buy shoes,” he said.
Mr Piccone took over the family bakery and butcher shop which later became part of the IGA network of supermarkets. The Edmonton store opened in 1942 and the Manoora outlet opened in 2003.
“The products have changed, but the people have stayed the same. People still like to be recognised.
“Even if you don’t know a person you can still say g’day. If you welcome people you will bring out the best in them.”
Scott Marshall, chief executive of supermarkets at Metcash which owns IGA, said local grocers were at the heart and soul of communities.
“For too long they’ve been our silent heroes, working in the background to do everything they can for their local area, including tailoring their product offering to their supporting local farmers and suppliers and giving back to countless local sporting clubs, schools and charities,” he said.
“Now is the time to tell their stories.”
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