Monday, 21 September 2026

Congratulations Lachie

Lachie Eyes Purchase

At 16 years old, while still at school in Christchurch, I got my first job at my local store, Fendalton New World. I started working night-fill shifts after school, stacking shelves and learning the basics of the grocery industry. What started as a part-time job quickly became something much more. I began to realise just how interesting and complex the grocery industry is. There are so many moving parts and so many hardworking people behind the scenes, all working together to create a great experience for our customers. I shared my interest with my managers, and they immediately supported me and gave me opportunities to learn and grow. With the support of my owners, I was given the chance to take on more responsibility and eventually manage a team. From the beginning, they encouraged me to believe that if I worked hard and continued learning, I could one day own a store myself. They invested in me, sending me on leadership courses and taking a genuine interest in my development. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to see a future in the industry. After nine years at my local store, I made the move to Hanmer Springs to experience a different side of the business as Store Manager of a small-town Four Square. Hanmer Springs felt like a dream destination to continue From our very first meeting, Annie and John believed in me. They have taken the time to show me every part of their business and share their knowledge and experience. As proud members of the Co-operative, they genuinely care about the people who come after them and want to help develop the next generation. Their support for their team, along with their genuine passion for their community, has strengthened my belief in the positive impact the Foodstuffs Co-operative can have on the communities we serve. It has also strengthened my own passion to one day become a member. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to meet and learn from many owners. Whether they run one of the biggest PAK'nSAVE stores or a small-town Four Square, every owner I have spoken to has made time for me and shared their passion for their business. That is what makes the Co-operative so special to me. It is built on its members working together, supporting one another and sharing a genuine commitment to the communities they serve. I feel incredibly fortunate that what started as a part-time job at 16 has grown into a career that I find so rewarding. I have been given opportunities to learn, lead and grow, and I’m excited about where that journey can take me next as I continue the journey to store ownership.