District residents flocked to the Kandos IGA store on Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the newly refurbished main street business. It was a festive occasion with a Rotary barbecue, face painting and plenty of giveaways.
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The celebration was the culmination of 12 months of complete refurbishment and modernisation resulting in a store that could possibly be the envy of many larger towns. The massive cost of the upgrade also highlights the confidence the Ahmedi family has in the town and surrounding district.
Former Kandos High School student Ghazanfar Ahmedi who is a director of the family business is now running the store. He took over the business from his father Shakeel who recently retired, and has been heavily involved in the refurbishment.
“We installed new freezers and fridges throughout, put in a new liquor section, we doubled the size of the deli and increased the size of our fruit and vegetable section. Overall, we have 1000 new lines. Everything we put in is brand new,” he said.
“There’s more choice and more variety. We don’t have to go anywhere else to shop if we don’t want to.”
The store has some history too. It was originally the Kandos Cooperative Society Store and later refurbished as a supermarket by Peter McQuiggin. Shakeel Ahmedi bought the business off Mr McQuiggin 15 years ago and in recognition of the town’s history there is now a historical photo in large view at the front of each isle.
District residents said they were thrilled at having such a great place to shop locally.
“There’s more choice and more variety. We don’t have to go anywhere else to shop if we don’t want to.”
Ghazanfar Ahmedi thanked his customers for their patience during the last 12 months.
“It’s been a headache but worth it. Our staff have been really amazing and very helpful too. All around it’s been excellent.”
The store has a staff of over 30 people and has extended its trading hours from 8am to 7pm seven days a week to give people an option before school and after work.