Reprieve for Feilding Write Price
Feilding’s oldest supermarket, Write Price, will remain open until construction of a new $20 million New World is complete.
The store that has greeted customers on Warwick St since 1981 was expected to close this month, however, Foodstuffs North Island confirmed yesterday that New World Feilding owners Nicola and Todd Carter have taken ownership.
It is understood that Write Price’s staff – 23 full-time employees – will be offered roles at the new New World supermarket, now under construction on the corner of Aorangi and Gladstone streets.
The store is expected to open by mid-2018, Foodstuffs North Island property development general manager Lindsay Rowles said.
The existing New World store on Fergusson St will also remain open until it can be relocated to the new 13,210 square metre site.
‘‘It will have the very latest New World innovations and will offer a brighter, more modern shopping environment,’’ Rowles said.
The development will have a 2795sqm ground floor, with a 509sqm mezzanine.
‘‘Todd and Nicola are... keeping both the Write Price and the New World running smoothly while we develop the new store.’’
Manawatu¯ mayor Helen Worboys was pleased Write Price’s staff had some job security.
A frequent Write Price shopper, she knew several staff who worked at the supermarket, but was concerned about the long-term effect of its closure.
It would be a huge loss if the town was left with no supermarket that catered for lower-income people, she said.
‘‘They’ve been able to extend jobs, but my concern for the community is what happens next?
‘‘My view hasn’t changed that we need a budget-cost supermarket in the district. From the community’s perspective it’s a shame that the initial Pak ‘n Save concept fell through.’’
It would push residents to Pak ‘n Save in Palmerston North, she said.
Foodstuffs North Island spokeswoman Antoinette Laird saidin August that an analysis of the demographics and projected population growth of Manawatu¯ indicated the community could not sustain two of the company’s supermarket businesses.