 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Big Fresh" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(November 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Big Fresh was aNew Zealandsupermarket chain. The first Big Fresh store opened in 1988 inMount Wellington, Auckland. In 2003, the Big Fresh brand was shut-down by its ownerProgressive Enterprises, with branches converted toCountdown orWoolworths, or shut down altogether.
The distinguishing feature of the Big Fresh was its emulation of afarmers market in asupermarket environment, with a focus on an extensive range of fresh foods; this was unique inNew Zealand at the time of its opening.[1]
In addition to its market-like atmosphere, Big Fresh had a number of features that made their stores unique withinNew Zealand, such as aPopcorn Club for children and in-store family entertainment, such asanimatronic singing and dancing fruits and vegetables, mooing cows, singing sausages, and giant egg-laying chickens.[1]
The first Big Fresh store opened in 1988 inMount Wellington, Auckland.[1] The entertainment attracted customers, allowing Big Fresh to outpaceWoolworths on average store turnover.[2]
The Big Fresh concept became popular throughoutNew Zealand and the chain expanded throughout the country. Through its links toWoolworths New Zealand andDairy Farm International, who also owned theFranklins supermarket chain inAustralia, the Big Fresh brand was launched inAustralia under the brandFranklins Big Fresh. For a brief period the Big Fresh brand in New Zealand was changed toFranklins at Big Fresh, using the slogan "More in your trolley for less."[1]
In 1999, Big Fresh had six stores.[3]
In 2002, there were 11 Big Fresh stores around the North Island.[4]
In July 2003, the Big Fresh brand was shut-down, with all branches converted toCountdown orWoolworths, or shut down altogether.[5]
Owing to its links withWoolworths and laterProgressive Enterprises, Big Fresh stocked theNo Frills andFirst Choice generic product brands. Both brands were dropped byProgressive Enterprises whenDairy Farm International exited the partnership in 2002.[citation needed]