Put your head down with hard work and determination, and you will reap the rewards.
That is precisely what Melanie and Glenn Faul of Barham IGA decided to do when they purchased IGA (formerly known as Murray Goulburn) 12 years ago. To turn the store around with a wider variety of grocery options across all lines, and to upgrade equipment internally and externally, including refrigeration, flooring, shelving and registers, has been a work in progress throughout the years making it a more efficient experience for shoppers.
Their efforts were recently acknowledged at the 2024 Victorian IGA Awards of Excellence.
Taking out the prestigious award for Victoria’s Medium Transformation and Innovation Store, Barham IGA was also nominated for Medium Produce Store, Medium Grocery and General Merchandising Store, Dairy and Freezer Department, and Store of the Year.
A total of 24 awards were judged on a variety of criteria including customer service, community pride, department excellence, brand values, merchandising and the store’s overall performance.
“We didn’t realise how big of a deal the award was until we arrived at the awards night,” Melanie told The [Koondrook and Barham] Bridge. “We were blown away once we realised what it meant.”
Up against (up to) six other independent stores, Melanie and Glenn appreciated the acknowledgment after a particularly challenging few years, as Glenn explained:
“It’s been a long time in the making. Between Covid-19 lockdowns and having trouble sourcing equipment, bridge closures, delays in freezer installation, and having the flooring laid, it seemed like we’d never get there. We couldn’t have got there without the support of our local community and amazing staff.”
Melanie agrees.
“That’s for sure. We always try to give back to the community that supports us, which is so important in a small town.”
The award ceremony, which was held at the Melbourne Sofitel on April 20, was hosted by the face of IGA, Shane Jacobson. The National Awards stage will be held in Broadbeach, Queensland in July.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 9 May 2024.
