From volunteering in a supermarket to owning one: Selina Chant steps into Four Square Remuera
When Selina Chant first stepped into New World Whangaparāoa 10 years ago, she wasn't looking for a career in grocery. Working in publishing at the time, she was simply curious about the industry.
After meeting New World Whangaparāoa owner Penny Ashton through a friend, Selina approached her to learn more about the supermarket world. Keen to gain firsthand experience, she began volunteering in the store, spending time on the shop floor and learning how the business operated before taking on the Chilled, Frozen and Liquor Manager role.
"Penny was incredibly generous with her time and knowledge," Selina says. "She was passionate about the industry and always willing to share what she knew. It was infectious."
What started as a learning opportunity quickly became something more. Surrounded by customers, team members and the fast pace of retail, Selina soon realised she'd found an industry she wanted to be part of.
"That experience gave me a real insight into how dynamic the grocery industry is," she says. "I loved being around customers and realised pretty quickly that this was where I wanted to be."
Inspired by Penny's mentorship, Selina spent a total of three years at New World Whangaparāoa. After starting as Chilled, Frozen and Liquor Manager and taking a short break from the industry, she returned as Customer Services Manager, leading a large frontline team through some of the store's busiest trading periods.
"That role really ingrained in me how important the customer experience is," she says. "It's about making sure every person who walks through the door has a great experience, every single day."
Selina started her Four Square journey at Four Square St Heliers, where she spent a year working up to Assistant Store Manager before she was accepted into Foodstuffs North Island’s Four Square Immersion Ownership programme. Her next stop was Four Square Britomart, as Store Manager for seven months before being approved to purchase her own Four Square.
When the opportunity came up to apply to buy Four Square Remuera, a store she'd often driven past, Selina felt like it was the right step.
"I always used to drive past the store on my way to Four Square St Heliers, so it already felt familiar," she says. "Being able to step into a store that’s only a few years old in a community like this is pretty special.”
In the weeks leading up to the changeover, Selina has been focused on getting to know her team, customers and the community. She's been working alongside previous owner, Rob, to understand what matters to locals and where the store can add value.
“The team here are awesome,” she says. “They’ve been so supportive leading up to this, and for me it’s about giving that back and helping them grow where I can.”
Selina has already made a few practical changes to the store in her first week, including adding more organic produce and expanding the bakery and café offering. But the overall focus remains the same, giving customers the best experience possible.
"I want Four Square Remuera to be famous for amazing customer service," she says. "That might be helping someone out to the car on a wet day or sorting last minute catering, just finding a way to help when someone needs it."
She’s also looking to keep building on the support the store already gives locally, from retirement village deliveries through to backing local schools and community groups. After years spent learning the ropes across New World and Four Square, Selina is grateful for the chance to take on a store of her own and continue serving customers in a community she’s proud to be part of.
"It's a privilege to wear the Four Square badge every day. I'm excited to be here, to get to know people and make a positive contribution to Four Square Remuera and the customers who come through our doors."