The Coles' takeover of three Supabarn stores in Canberra is now complete, with the Canberra Centre supermarket opening its doors to customers on Wednesday - but not everyone left with a smile on their face.
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Many customers were still mourning the loss of their local Supabarn and its wide, eclectic selection of products.
Coles has now completed a more than $14 million makeover of the three Supabarn stores it bought earlier this year, at Wanniassa, Kaleen and now the Canberra Centre.
The Canberra Centre Coles was frantic at lunchtime with office workers fitting in a quick shop.
Kim Comer, of Wanniassa, works in the city and frequented both the Supabarns at Wanniassa and in the city.
"I'm still sad about Supabarn," she said.
"So much stock is no longer available. The aisles [at Wanniassa] are a bit narrower.
"I found Supabarn stocked a lot of local produce, which I preferred."
However, Mrs Comer said she would keep shopping at Coles.
"Well, there's no choice. It's taken away that choice, that competition," she said.
"These days I find I have to go to three supermarkets to get an item. At Supabarn, I could find what I needed and didn't have to go anywhere else."
Leane Manning, of Jerrabomberra, also works in the city and said she would come to Coles not for a big shop but to get things she needed for work such as tea.
"It's light and bright and there's plenty of staff about, so I hope that continues," she said.
"It was nice to be given a flower when I came in, that was unusual."
Daniel Redman, of Forde, used to shop a lot at Supabarn in the city at lunchtimes for more gourmet items and was disappointed not to see some items stocked such as locally-produced dips. He was happy to see Canberra Milk still on the shelves.
"I didn't mind Supabarn, even though it was slightly more expensive," he said. "I just liked that there was no Coles or Woolies in Civic, really."
Mark Elliott, of Royalla, also works in the city and said he preferred to shop at Coles over Woolworths.
"I enjoyed Supabarn because it had some unique stuff and more local produce," he said.
Another shopper, Amanda, of Reid, who did not want to give her last name, said the new Coles was her local supermarket and she was happy with it.
"I think it's nice, it's nice and bright. I like the way they've laid out the fruit and vegetables," she said.
"I was more worried about the staff keeping their jobs and I'll be on the look out for some familiar faces."
Natalie Brown, of Wanniassa, said she usually shopped at Coles at the Tuggeranong Hyperdome but used to pop into Supabarn at lunchtimes.
"I did like Supabarn because I thought their fruit and vegetables were fresher," she said.
The Canberra City Coles is not the only one to get a lukewarm response from some customers.
McKellar shopper Ian Gay contacted Coles direct when he was upset to find some of his favourite products from Supabarn had gone missing at the new Coles in the Kaleen Plaza.
"Gourmet cheese selection has been significantly 'standardised'. I could no longer get four different cheeses I like including Woodbyne, and King Island's cheddar range, and a few other boutique bries etc," he said in an email to The Canberra Times.
"No sign of anything from fabulous local producers like Poachers Pantry and Pialligo Smokehouse. Supabarn always had a strong selection from both of these.
"It is sad to see a completely beige supermarket, with all the exact same big-brand lines taking up too much shelf space. It's dumbing down our purchasing options."
Mr Gay did receive a response from Coles:
"Our merchandise team constantly reviews our range to ensure we are offering our customers the appropriate choice of products. Regrettably, we are unable to stock every item that our customers require; however, we do endeavour to provide an excellent range and choice at all times," the response read.
"Currently we do not have the products you listed ranged into our stores however we have forwarded your feedback through to our merchandise team for their information and consideration for our future range reviews."
A Coles spokesperson said it did stock some local brands including Canberra Milk, Autolyse bread from Braddon and Eight Mile Beef from Harden.
"We have worked closely with local suppliers to stock a range of locally-made products in our new Canberra stores and would welcome any suggestions from customers about particular products they'd like to see on our shelves," the spokesperson said.
Coles said the Canberra Centre store featured a new in-store bakery and new-look delicatessen with a "wide selection of gourmet cheeses, an olive bar and an expanded fresh seafood section".
An open meat counter with butchers offered a slice-on-request service. The fruit and vegetables would be delivered daily, it said.
More than 100 existing Supabarn team members also continued to work at the refurbished supermarket, including fresh produce manager Darren Pert and deli manager Gavin Cook.
Coles Canberra Centre store manager Lyn Waugh was excited about the opening.
"We're confident our customers will enjoy the new features, particularly the in-store bakery and fresh seafood section which is brand new to the supermarket," she said.
