Unleash your passion for retail

Tourist brochures describe the South Island’s Lake Hāwea as an outdoor adventurers’ paradise – a place of breathtaking scenery and legendary fishing experiences.

On its southern shores, the fast-growing Lake Hāwea township is home to one of the latest FreshChoice community-based supermarket franchises, proudly owned by Matt and Dixie Gallaher, residents of the town. For Matt, whose 15-year career spans several well-known retail brands, investing in the franchise in 2024 has been a long-held dream come true.

“Being owner-operators of our own franchise business, serving the community we live in has always been our dream,” says Matt. He adds that having the ability to employ and support local people is also a major bonus. It’s the sole supermarket in the district and during busy periods the couple can employ up to 20 people, including students.

They describe the help they’ve had from Craig Steenson, FreshChoice’s franchise development manager, as ‘incredible’. They also can’t speak highly enough about the ongoing help they receive from their support team.

“I enjoyed six months training at various FreshChoice stores before we opened our store and that support has never stopped,” says Matt.

“Not only is there a whole framework behind you to ensure you never face fresh challenges alone, but also a network of other FreshChoice franchise owners who’re there to assist if needed,” he says.

The bigger picture

Currently there are opportunities across New Zealand for hands-on retailers to own and operate their own FreshChoice supermarket. This exciting business opportunity has the full backing and considerable resources of Wholesale Distributors Ltd, subsidiary of Woolworths New Zealand. 

There is a real passion to grow FreshChoice in the supermarket sector right across New Zealand, reports Craig. He says prospective FreshChoice franchisees must not just have an absolute passion for retail, but also a desire to be immersed in their local community – among people who make up the bulk of their customers. It would be beneficial to have at least five years’ experience as a business owner or leader in some kind of business management role, and some retail industry knowledge would also help new franchisees make the transition, he says.

“In addition to individual stores, multi-ownership is an option – several of our existing franchisees have two or more stores, which can provide some economies of scale and potentially an even greater return on investment.”

Geared for your success

FreshChoice stores have a highly supportive matrix to ensure franchisees achieve and maintain success. There are clear step-by-step processes to assist with the smooth daily running of the business and a robust onboarding process tailored to the individual owner.

It’s a business opportunity with no hidden surprises, and full support services provided to the entire franchise network, regardless of development stage. Franchisees are encouraged to share ideas and experiences with each other. Group meetings and an annual conference provide an opportunity to review progress, plan the year ahead, discuss new developments, and network. For FreshChoice, this a partnership - it’s about everyone working together to ensure they all are, and stay, successful.

Never a dull moment

Meanwhile, back at the busy Lake Hāwea FreshChoice, Matt and Dixie are finding it immensely satisfying to be growing a successful business in a community they’ve built a solid affinity with over the years.   

“Every day is different, and there’s never a dull moment,” is how Matt sums up their FreshChoice journey. He says they thrive on the daily challenges the business brings. 

“Looking back, we wouldn’t change a thing,” Matt says. “We’re very pleased with how we’ve navigated the busy summer period and we’re so grateful for the opportunity and the support we’ve been receiving throughout the process.”

See this advertorial on page 37 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 34 Issue 01

Contact details for FreshChoice

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Industry: Retail

Contact: Craig Steenson

027 262 3175

FANZ member: no

investment from:
$2,000,000

Number:: in NZ 33 globally 33

View this listing

• Phone
  027 262 3175
• Email
  craig.steenson1@woolworths.co.nz
• Web
  https://www.freshchoice.co.nz/about/franchise-opportunities/

Funding info

Pre-purchase Report

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