Great news for households struggling with rising grocery prices, with Australia’s newest cut-price supermarket confirming Ballina as its next opening.
Queensland-based Fresh & Save Food Warehouse has announced plans to open its tenth outlet here, following the recent successful launch of its ninth store in Grafton.
The announcement couldn’t come at a better time.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently reported a 3.8 percent rise in food and grocery prices over the past year.
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The ACCC says that more than two decades since German retailer ALDI came to Australia, Coles and Woolworths still control more than 65 percent of the supermarket sector, sparking fresh concerns over limited competition and high prices.
Fresh & Save is hoping to shake things up.
The company brands itself as proudly Australian-owned, operating without corporate overheads and delivering low prices through a warehouse-style format, bulk buying, and locally sourced fresh food.
On its website, Fresh & Save says it’s “stoked to give more Aussies the chance to experience lower grocery bills, fuller trolley loads and high-quality fresh food prepared in store – all while supporting Aussie owned.”
Grafton Chamber of Commerce President Carol Pachos said the new store had been a hit with both shoppers and surrounding businesses.
“They’ve delivered on what they promised and they are easily the cheapest grocery option in town,” Ms Pachos told Ballina News Daily.
“In the early days, it was so crowded you could barely move. People are making a day of it.
“They’re coming for bargains and staying to shop and eat locally. It’s had a real flow-on effect.”
Ms Pachos said her own price check backed the buzz.
“I looked at things like fresh chicken, dog food, deodorant – and across the board, the regular prices were significantly cheaper than Coles or Woolies.”
Fresh & Save made its NSW debut in Armidale last year, before opening in Grafton. Ms Pachos believes Ballina is the logical next step.
“They’re clearly being strategic. There’s not much crossover between Grafton and Ballina shoppers, so it expands their reach without impacting existing stores.”
She added that it would be ideal if Ballina avoids the downside Grafton experienced, where a major Coles closed to make way for the new store.
“If they go into a new space in Ballina, that’s a win-win. More competition without job losses.”
The move is also brings another retail drawcard for Ballina, which is fast cementing its status as the business and commercial hub of the Northern Rivers.
With national retailers setting up shop and significant investment flowing into new precincts, Ballina is increasingly attracting both shoppers and businesses from across the region.
While Fresh & Save has yet to confirm a location, speculation is growing that it could be part of the upcoming Harvey Norman-owned Ballina Homemaker Centre expansion as it’s one of the few developments currently offering the large retail footprint the store would require.
Whenever and wherever it lands, one thing is clear: Fresh & Save’s arrival could deliver welcome competition and some long-awaited grocery relief for Ballina families.
I hope their prices are similar to Costco.
COSTCO prices aren’t really that cheap however the quality of the goods that they sell are excellent.