From crafting dentures to stocking grocery shelves, Lachlan Yung’s path to Four Square ownership hasn’t been a straight line.
Originally trained as a denture technician, Yung was looking for a career that offered a greater connection with people and stronger teamwork. He was encouraged by a family friend who owned a Four Square store to give the grocery industry a try, and he quickly discovered a passion for community-focused retail.
This week, Yung has officially taken ownership of Four Square Aramoho, following long-time owners John and Jo Sharp, who have served the local community for the past 16 years.
Over the past month, Yung has been working alongside the team, getting to know the business and meeting many of the customers who make the store such an important part of the community.
Before joining Four Square Aramoho, he spent three years at New World Eastridge in Auckland, working in the produce and online departments. He then joined the newly opened Four Square Onehunga, progressing to store manager and helping owner Alex Gagebrown establish and grow the store.
After being accepted into Foodstuffs North Island’s Four Square Immersion Ownership programme, Yung hit the road at any chance he could, visiting 70 Four Square stores across the North Island. His aim was to gain insight into what makes a successful community store and to help shape his own vision for store ownership.
“I poured everything into my application for Four Square Aramoho. I think I just about chewed the ears off John and Jo, asking them questions about the store,” said Yung.
In March, he received a call from Foodstuffs confirming that he’d been approved to purchase the store, and by May, he'd moved to Whanganui to learn the ropes.
While he's only recently taken over the keys, Yung said the support received has made the transition from Auckland to Whanganui, and to first-time store ownership, much easier.
Alongside the Four Square Aramoho team and the local community, fellow Four Square owner-operators across the city have been quick to share advice and lend a hand.
For Foodstuffs North Island, Lachlan's story reflects one of the things that makes Four Square unique: giving people the opportunity to take their first step into business ownership while serving the communities they call home.
As Four Square Aramoho enters its next chapter, customers can expect the same friendly service and community focus that have made the store a local favourite for generations.
