Four Square Wānaka’s local owners Sophie and James Brears are celebrating their first year in business, and they say the past 12 months have been all about investing back into the store and the community they call home.

Sophie, James and their two children outside Wānaka Fours Square soon after taking over the business in 2024.

The couple, whose children attend local schools, took over the shop last November and have since poured their time, energy and every spare dollar into improving the shopping experience.

“We’re here working in the store every day, so it’s really important to us that our customers can see and feel the changes,” Sophie said.

James servicing customers at the new 'staffed' checkout.

Over the past year the pair have upgraded the staffed checkout area, added self-checkouts, and installed new refrigeration to allow for an expanded product range. That includes a growing selection of local goods such as Beffect beer and kombucha, Zamaram sausages, Wānaka Chocolate, Venus Coffee and Red Bridge strawberries.

They’ve also refreshed the food-to-go section with improved hot food and salad options, and Fresh Fusion ice cream will be scooped on site throughout summer.

Supporting local is a priority for Sophie and James, who continue to back groups including Wānaka Primary School, Mount Aspiring College, junior hockey, netball, rugby, the Merino Muster and Ben Suncin’s Brain Trust.

Ben Suncin collecting for the Brain Injury Association in story earlier this year.

Looking ahead, they plan to repaint the store’s interior and exterior (while keeping its familiar façade) and increase their involvement in local events.

A photo of the Jolly family standing outside the now Wānaka Four Square when it was the General Merchants Store in 1927 is proudly displayed in the store.

To mark the one-year milestone, a birthday celebration will be held on Friday, November 28. The first 100 paying customers will receive free mini doughnuts from White Rabbit and a coffee. A community BBQ will run from 3pm to 5pm, and shoppers who spend more than $30 (excludes alcohol, tobacco and Lotto) will go in the draw to win a hamper. 

In-store specials, including $1 deals, will run throughout the day.

Come in and say hi to Sophie and James and help them celebrate their first year in business.

70 Ardmore Street, Wānaka

PHOTO: Wānaka App & Supplied.