Foodstuffs South Island reaffirmed its commitment to rural communities with the opening of a contemporary new Four Square in Murchison.
The Hocking family, who have owned and operated Murchison Four Square since July 2014, marked the special occasion with a customary ribbon cutting and a beautiful waiata performed by local schoolchildren.
Surrounded by family, friends, community, and fellow Four Square owner-operators from around the South Island, it was a proud and memorable milestone.
Located across the road from where Murchison’s grocery shop has always been, the new Four Square is double the size and brings a modern and spacious design, a wide range of grocery essentials including over 700 new products, a new food-to-go range, fresh produce, and everyday household items, all with the friendly Four Square service Kiwis know and love.
Fast facts:
• Over NZD four million investment in the local community
• 17 roles for locals
• 4000 plus products
• 600 sqm store
• Two team member-operated checkouts
• Three self-scan checkouts
• 20 car parks
The Hockings were thrilled to open the new store’s doors and continue serving the local community.
“We’re so pleased to finally open the doors. It’s been a tough few weeks around the Tasman District. Our new store definitely increases local resilience, and we’re committed to being there for our community when it matters most,” said Janelle Hocking.
“Our goal is to provide a welcoming space, with great value and convenience for locals close to home and for visitors passing through. We outgrew the old site, and we’re excited to bring this shopping experience to Murchison – it’s been a big project, and the town and community have been really supportive.”
Foodstuffs South Island Four Square Group Manager Eugene Ruane said the new store reinforced the co-op’s purpose to feed the South Island.
“This store reflects the future of Four Square: modern, sustainable, and always community-focused. We’ve built it with our customers in mind: wider aisles, electronic shelf labels to support pricing integrity, energy-efficient refrigeration systems, self-checkout options, and there's a generator onsite so the store is fully equipped to continue trading if power goes out,” said Ruane.
“There are 58 Four Squares in the South Island, and 37 of them serve communities of fewer than 5000 people. With the next supermarket more than an hour away, Murchison Four Square has a vital role in the community.”
Murchison is home to around 600 people and is one of New Zealand’s most remote towns, nestled in the upper South Island.
Open over 13 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round, the store caters to locals and travellers, with all the essentials and Kiwi favourites including fresh produce, butchery, takeaway coffee, hot food to go, and even a gas bottle swap.
Locals and travellers are encouraged to stop by and explore everything Murchison and its new Four Square have to offer.
