In March, Aussie supermarket giant Coles transformed its Moonee Ponds location into a flagship “sustainability focused” concept store. At the same time, the entire Coles Group made an ambitious commitment to be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity by the end of the 2025 financial year, and to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
It’s unveiled a fancy new Coles Local store – at one of its existing Melbourne locations, on Johnston Street in Fitzroy – with a similar ethos. In a first for the business, you can BYO container to fill with bulk frozen fruit, cereals and granola, freshly ground coffee (by Melbourne’s DC Specialty Coffee Roasters), and a whole lot more.
In a statement, Coles’ chief sustainability, property and export officer Thinus Keevé said: “At Coles Local, we test and trial innovative new features to see how our customers respond. In this store, we’re launching a new frozen fruit Scoop and Weigh station for the first time, and an offer where customers can grind their own coffee and take it away in a container of their choice.”
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SIGN UPAs a way of reducing plastic, there are refill stations for Squeaky Gate extra-virgin olive oil (also a Coles first), as well as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and laundry liquids by Ecostore. Plus, free cardboard carry boxes are available at the checkout.
There’s also a focus on supporting local businesses, Keevé says. “We’ve partnered with local butchers, bakers and producers to offer our Fitzroy customers an in-store experience that is uniquely tailored to local tastes and preferences.” That means top-notch cuts from Meatsmith, pizza from 400 Gradi, fresh pasta delivered daily and cakes from Cremorne Street Bakery.
Coles Local Fitzroy
95–103 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
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Daily 7am–10pm
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