Coles spends up, employs 80 more

Coles has created 80 jobs at Drysdale after opening a new supermarket as part of a $150 million investment program in the Geelong region.
Coles opened the Drysdale store on Wednesday, adding to new supermarkets built at Waurn Ponds, Lara and Torquay over the past four years. The company has invested more than $150 million in the four stores and refurbishments at Corio and Belmont.
In addition to the 80 new recruits, the Drysdale supermarket would employ 70 team members transferred from other stores in the area, bringing the total team to 150, Coles said.
The new market-style supermarket featured “an in-store bakery with freshly-baked bread, a continental delicatessen with a large selection of cheese, fresh seafood and a meat counter with a slice on request service”, the company said.
“Drysdale shoppers will also be able to enjoy a self-service olive bar, a scoop-and-weigh station and an extensive fresh produce area with fruit and vegetables displayed on ice.”
Store manager Jared Bond said he was excited to introduce the Drysdale supermarket, which would provide the community with benefits other than just employment and choice.
“Coles is heavily invested in the local community and we’re committed to supporting a range of causes close to the hearts of customers and team members,” he said.
“We’ll provide food at the Drysdale Primary School’s Mini Mudder fund-raising event later this month and team members will pitch in at the school next month when they build a new vegie patch at the school so kids can enjoy wholesome, healthy snacks. The team is eager to extend service beyond the checkout and excited to open our doors.”