When Selina Chant first stepped into New World Whangaparāoa 10 years ago, she wasn't looking for a career in grocery.
Working in publishing at the time, she was simply curious about the industry. After meeting New World Whangaparāoa owner Penny Ashton through a friend, Chant approached her to learn more about the supermarket world.
Keen to gain firsthand experience, she began volunteering in the store, spending time on the shop floor and learning how the business operated before taking on the Chilled, Frozen and Liquor Manager role.
What started as a learning opportunity quickly became something more. Surrounded by customers, team members and the fast pace of retail, Chant soon realised she'd found an industry she wanted to be part of.
"That experience gave me a real insight into how dynamic the grocery industry is," she said.
"I loved being around customers and realised pretty quickly that this was where I wanted to be."
Inspired by Ashton's mentorship, Chant spent a total of three years at New World Whangaparāoa. After starting as Chilled, Frozen and Liquor Manager and taking a short break from the industry, she returned as Customer Services Manager, leading a large frontline team through some of the store's busiest trading periods.
"That role really ingrained in me how important the customer experience is. It's about making sure every person who walks through the door has a great experience, every single day."
Chant started her Four Square journey at Four Square St Heliers, where she spent a year working up to Assistant Store Manager before she was accepted into Foodstuffs North Island’s Four Square Immersion Ownership programme.
Her next stop was Four Square Britomart, where she served as Store Manager for 7 months before being approved to purchase her own Four Square.
When the opportunity came up to apply to buy Four Square Remuera, a store she'd often driven past, Chant felt like it was the right step.
"I always used to drive past the store on my way to Four Square St Heliers, so it already felt familiar," she says. "Being able to step into a store that’s only a few years old in a community like this is pretty special.”
In the weeks leading up to the changeover, Chant has been focused on getting to know her team, customers and the community. She has also been working alongside the previous owner to understand what matters to locals and where the store can add value.
Chant has already made a few practical changes to the store in her first week, including adding more organic produce and expanding the bakery and café offerings. Her overall focus remains the same, giving customers the best experience possible.
"I want Four Square Remuera to be famous for amazing customer service. That might be helping someone out to the car on a wet day or sorting last-minute catering, just finding a way to help when someone needs it."
Chant has also been looking to keep building on the support the store already gives locally, from retirement village deliveries through to backing local schools and community groups.
After years spent learning the ropes across New World and Four Square, she was grateful for the chance to take on a store of her own and continue serving customers in a community she’s proud to be part of.
"It's a privilege to wear the Four Square badge every day. I'm excited to be here, to get to know people and make a positive contribution to Four Square Remuera and the customers who come through our doors."
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