The Xyrakis family has run a supermarket at the Ainslie shops since 1963, and became part of the IGA chain in 1993.

Now, IGA has chosen the Xyrakis family to be the face of its national campaign, 1400 Stores, 1400 stories.

The Xyrakis' were chosen from the chain's 1400 stores across Australia to tell their story on TV, in cinemas and online.

Three generations of the family has been involved in the store, Alice and Nick Xyrakis first buying the then local supermarket and milk bar in 1963. The family, including children Manuel, Irene and Yvonne, lived in the flat upstairs.

Manuel says in his story he can remember waking up one Christmas morning to find a toy cash register beside his bed.

His dad told him he could take it downstairs to the shop and work on the lolly counter.

IGA says it chose the Xyrakis family to spearhead its campaign because of their "unrelenting commitment and passionate support of the local community".

Manuel emphasises the supermarket's efforts to support local business, such as stocking Lonsdale Street Roasters coffee, and sponsoring local organisations such as the Ainslie Football Club.

"I think it's important to give back," he said, in the campaign.

Manuel has seen plenty of changes of the years but has always remained true to the family's goal of providing the best service possible.

Passion, personality, giving back, supporting locals and going the extra mile has been our family ethos right since the beginning, he said.

My sister Irene and I took over the business from our parents and now my nephews Keith, Nicholas and Dimitri are evolving how we do things, but we all remain focussed on doing what is right for the locals. It is a true family business.

Over the years, the store has changed dramatically, more than quadrupling in size and developing one of the largest cheese selections in Australia, but what has not changed is our desire to support and give back to their local community wherever possible.