Edith Vasle received an honour she never thought she would, simply through persistence.
She was selected to help cut the ribbon to open the newly refurbished Coles supermarket at Belmont as its longest-serving staff member.
The Geelong woman has worked for Coles for 47 years, beginning in the store at the top end of High Street in 1969 before transferring to the Coles New World supermarket, as it was then branded.
“I’ve always been based at Belmont even though I’ve helped out at other stores occasionally,” Edith said.
“I’ve loved it. We have a lovely team to work with and because you get to know them over such a long period of time, it’s like you live life with them.
“You see their children grow up and enter the workforce themselves. Regular customers become like family.
“It’s a good company to work for and I’ve never wanted to go anywhere else.”
Coles Belmont store manager Michael Hogan said the refurbishment would create 12 new jobs as part of an “enhanced shopping experience”.
The store would welcome new team members across all areas including customer service, bakery and deli, bringing the number of staff to more than 120, he said.
“The refurbished store will feature a continental delicatessen with locally-produced Meredith cheese, an extended selection of meats, a self-service olive bar and an extended fresh produce section with fruit and vegetables displayed on ice.
“Coles Belmont will now also be able to make flatbread every day at its enhanced bakery.
“Additions have also been made to the customer service area, including a new mobile store featuring mobile phones on display.
“Coles is dedicated to providing a premium shopping experience for customers and the new refurbishment reflects the needs of the Belmont community.”
