Countdown has opened its Wānaka Metro store today (Thursday December 23) and it is the grocery chain’s smallest store yet, at only 140 square metres.

The store, Countdown’s first Metro in the South Island, is located on Ardmore Street at the repurposed BP service station site.

Countdown director of property Matt Grainger said almost 500 online orders have made their way to Wānaka from Countdown Queenstown each week.

“We’ve been serving a growing number of customers in the Wānaka community and it’s this growing demand that has driven our decision to bring not only more dedicated online shopping delivery and pick-up options to the area, but a small-sized, highly curated supermarket offering too,” he said.

Metro manager Jason McQuoid, operations manager Aaron Murray, and landlord Allan Dippie.

While initially operating as a small local store, a drive-through pick-up option for online shopping will be available in early 2022, and online delivery vans will be running from the store. 

“We’re really looking forward to offering even more flexibility for our Wānaka customers in how and when they choose to shop online with us, as well as providing a selected range of supermarket staples, fresh food and grab-and-go options,” Matt said. 

The new store will employ 14 full time team members and approximately 10 part time team members, with additional casual and part time opportunities likely over the peak summer and winter periods.

Metro landlord Allan Dippie cut the ribbon at the opening of the store this morning.

The Wānaka App asked Countdown to confirm a rumour that Countdown plans to build a full-size store in the Wānaka area in the near future. A Countdown spokesperson said the business was currently focussed on the Metro store and “don’t have any firm plans beyond that at this stage”.

Countdown Wānaka Metro will be open from 7am to 10pm over summer. Online orders for Countdown Wānaka Metro will be fulfilled from Countdown Queenstown, meaning customers can access the full Countdown range for their shopping from January 19.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App