RUPANYUP finally has a brand new community supermarket.
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The Rupanyup IGA opened its doors on Monday, December 6.
Luke Cox and Cassy Jenkinson are veteran supermarket owners and have always dreamed of running regional supermarkets.
"Luke worked for Safeway almost 14 years ago, and it was always his dream to own his own store," Ms Jenkinson said.
"When Minyip came for sale we jumped at the opportunity. We always wanted a store in the country and have always wanted to own multiple stores. Rupanyup was an opportunity to invest in our second store."
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Mr Cox was born and raised in Ararat, and Ms Jenkinson was brought up on a farm near Glenthompson. They currently live near Maryborough.
Ms Jenkinson said they became aware of the Rupanyup area through their Minyip store.
"We had become familiar with the area being in the Minyip store and had seen the town grow along with the supermarket," she said.
"When the lease for Rupanyup building became available, it was something we were definitely interested in.
"Every small town deserves a supermarket and the growth that comes with having one can only benefit the towns growth and sustainably."
Ms Jenkinson said bringing a supermarket to a regional town is about community,
"To be able to do your grocery shopping in the town you live is so convenient and the job opportunities that can come with it are priceless," she said.
"Keeping young families in small towns and attracting new ones keeps the town alive."
But she did say the build came with challenges.
"The build had been delayed along the way and with covid also in play getting equipment was challenging," Ms Jenkinson said.
"We were definitely lucky to have the support of IGA behind us to help us source everything we needed."
Barely a week open, and the store has created three jobs in the area, and the anticipated growth can only bring more opportunities in the future, Ms Jenkinson said.
"The first few days have been very positive. It's such a big change for the community and we are seeing lots of new faces which is terrific," she said.
"Being told our trolleys are too small is great feedback to be getting."
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