Located on State Highway 1, the Four Square Rakaia site has become a very convenient stop for travellers.
From the outset, the vision was to create a store that was 100 percent customer-centric. The decision-making process was built around three objectives: functional - the right equipment in the right place, efficient - doing things the best way, and beautiful - present it in the best possible way.
“Customers can find what they need in a store that is always full and fresh, and it looks beautiful,” said the owner-operators, Mike and Catherine Thomas.
“Staff have the equipment they need, in a space that works efficiently and makes their job easier, and it’s a really nice environment to work in.”
Having opened the store towards the end of November 2025, the couple has observed a huge growth in the food-to-go aisle, especially hot food, including Fairlie Bakehouse Pies, chicken and chips, and coffee.
As they’re new to the area, they have been keen to support community groups such as Rakaia Rugby, Rakaia Lions, and St John, as well as the Rakaia Fishing Competition and the local RSA, to name a few.
At the same time, they added that the team has been amazing and gave a shout-out to the Robomate Lawn mower (whom they call Liam Lawnson) that keeps the huge front lawn, about 3000 sqm, looking perfect all year round.
“We have brought all the staff from the previous store over to the new store. They have all risen to the challenge of being in a new store with new owner operators and new systems extremely well,” said the couple.
“Having their local knowledge has been a huge help for us as we settled into our new town.”
The Thomas’ also mentioned that all project partners and suppliers did a great job. With the guidance of the Foodstuffs South Island property team, the couple have ended up with something very beautiful, as well as efficient and easy to operate.
