First-time owner-operators James and Kym Bishop have recently taken ownership of the New World in Kaikoura. The couple settled nicely after taking the reins less than a month ago and are excited to be a part of the local community.
James and Kym have a big focus on community and family. Together, they’ve brought up ten children, and with most of them all grown up now, they decided it was the right time to take the next step as a family.
James’ passion for the supermarket industry began over 20 years ago when he got a job filling shelves at his local supermarket at night. Since then, he’s had more than 20 different roles, most recently a 10-year tenure as Grocery Manager at New World St Martins in Christchurch. Each position has added to his expertise and contributed to his pathway towards supermarket ownership.
“I just fell into it, really, and it’s become a real passion of mine,” shared James, “I love coming to work and working with the team and our customers.”
His enthusiasm for supermarkets is shared with other members of the family who’ve also served their local community out of New World St Martins. Kym and five of their children have all worked at the store, with one completing a bakery apprenticeship there.
“Between work and family life, we’ve had our hands and cups full.”
With the kids growing up and moving out, the couple jumped at the chance to take the next step in their journey with the Foodstuffs South Island co-operative, which is behind the New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square brands on the mainland.
“We were stoked because this was the pick of the stores for us. We’re delighted to have been allowed to join the Kaikoura community.”
James revealed that the team were fantastic and that the welcome the family had received from the community had excited the couple to be the new owner-operators in the Kaikoura New World.
The owner-operator continued, sharing that the family unit was integrating and embracing the Kaikoura lifestyle. The couple shared that the family had been on countless swims in the coastal town already.
The Previous outgoing store owners, Kerry and Sally-Anne Tull, returned to their roots in Canterbury, taking ownership of New World Stanmore in Christchurch.
“Kerry and Sally-Anne have been amazing and very generous with their insight and knowledge, and we wish them the very best at New World Stanmore,” concluded James.
