Foodstuffs North Island, the 100% New Zealand owned and operated co-operative behind locally owned New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square supermarkets has opened a new Four Square store in Snells Beach on Mahurangi East Road, representing a multi-million dollar investment in the community and creating 20 new roles for locals.
The new supermarket opened today and is a larger format store designed to the latest Four Square brand standards with an ultra-modern interior and over 900 sq m of retail space, making it one of the largest Four Squares in New Zealand. It has more than 8,200 products on offer, including fresh food like hot chicken and chips, scoop ice cream and barista-made coffee.
Foodstuffs North Island’s Head of Four Square, Greg Stone says the Snells Beach store is the latest addition to a brand that turned 100 earlier this year.
“Four Square has been there for countless barbeques, road trips and everyday missions to top up on the essentials. There’s been no supermarket near Snells Beach for some time, so it’s wonderful to be able to offer a one-stop-shop for the 7,000 people in this community,” he says.
Every year Foodstuffs North Island invests around $100 million in property and supply chain upgrades across its stores.
Four Square Snells Beach is owned and operated by David and Helen Whyman, experienced operators who previously owned and ran Four Square Matakana and Four Square Waipapa.
David began his grocery career at New World Kerikeri, working alongside then-owner-operator David Hannan in 2014. He later bought an independent store in Waipapa and converted it to become the owner-operator of his first Four Square store, Four Square Waipapa, which he successfully managed for five years.
In 2021, the Whymans relocated to Matakana, where they took over the local Four Square, a central community hub in the picturesque rural town.
When they saw the opportunity to establish a brand-new Four Square in Snells Beach, they knew it was the right move for them and their family.
“With a large population but no supermarket close by, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to create a store that could become a central hub for the community, in a way that’s similar to Four Square Matakana,” David says.
David says it’s important he and Helen create a space for the community, a place where people want to meet, so have installed communal seating and offer free wi-fi and charging points – something very few supermarkets offer.
The Whymans moved to Snells Beach in May 2023 as they loved the area and wanted it to be the place they called home. It was by coincidence the opportunity to develop Four Square Snells Beach came about.
“We’ve loved working with local tradespeople to build the store and the outcome is a credit to each and every person who has lent a hand. We’re enjoying the beach lifestyle and getting to know the locals. Kawau Bay is a spectacular part of the Hauraki Gulf and we feel very privileged to live and work here.”
“It’s just such a great place for our family, we’ve really enjoyed getting to know the community and everyone that’s already popped in to say hello and check out the new space,” David says.
Four Square Snells Beach Fast Facts
• Owned and operated by David and Helen Whyman
• 900 sq m of retail space
• Multi-million dollar investment in the Snells Beach community
• Over 8,200 products
• 20 new roles for locals
• Free parking with 195 shared car parks available
• Two team member-operated check outs and three self-service check outs
• Lotto kiosk
• Free wi-fi and charging station
