70 stores later, Lachlan Yung finds his place at Four Square Aramoho

From crafting dentures to stocking grocery shelves, Lachlan Yung’s path to Four Square ownership hasn’t been a straight line. Originally trained as a denture technician, Lachlan was looking for a career that offered more connection with people and a stronger sense of teamwork. He was encouraged to give the grocery industry a try by a family friend who owned a Four Square store and quickly discovered a passion for community-focused retail. 

This week, Lachlan has officially taken ownership of Four Square Aramoho, following long-time owners John and Jo Sharp, who have served the local community for the past 16 years. Over the past month, Lachlan has been working alongside John, Jo and the store team, getting to know the business and meeting many of the customers who make the store such an important part of the community. 

Before joining Four Square Aramoho, Lachlan spent three years at New World Eastridge in Auckland working in the produce and online departments. He then joined the newly opened Four Square Onehunga – also in Auckland, progressing to store manager and helping owner Alex Gagebrown establish and grow the store.  

After being accepted into Foodstuffs North Island’s Four Square Immersion Ownership programme, Lachlan hit the road any chance he could, visiting 70 Four Square stores across the North Island. His aim was to get an insight into what makes a successful community store and help shape his own vision for store ownership. 70 stores led him to Aramoho, a store that felt right.  

“I poured everything into my application for Four Square Aramoho,” says Lachlan, “I think I just about chewed the ears off John and Jo asking them questions about the store.”  

Sure enough, he received the call in March from Foodstuffs that he’d been approved to purchase the store, and by May had moved to Whanganui to learn the ropes.  

While he's only recently taken over the keys, Lachlan says the support he and his partner, Chanistha (CT), have received has made the transition from Auckland to Whanganui and first-time store ownership much easier. Alongside the Four Square Aramoho team and local community, fellow Four Square owner operators across the city have been quick to share advice and lend a hand. 

“We’re really grateful for how open and welcoming people have been,” he says. 

“I just want to thank everyone who’s taken the time to say hello, it’s been awesome. CT’s been incredibly supportive, and I’ve also really appreciated the encouragement from the other Four Square owners in Whanganui.” 

For Foodstuffs North Island, Lachlan's story reflects one of the things that makes Four Square unique: giving people the opportunity to take their first step into business ownership while serving the communities they call home.  

As Four Square Aramoho enters its next chapter, customers can expect the same friendly service and community focus that have made the store a local favourite for generations. John and Jo Sharp have built something special, and Lachlan is looking forward to carrying that legacy forward.