The IGA supermarket chain has opened two new stores in Kensington and Westleigh, Sydney, with another supermarket opening in Dubbo mid this year.

The Kensington location was opened to support the local community and the students that attend the University of NSW.

The supermarket stocks fresh produce as well as stationery, Asian foods and kitchen supplies which are in high demand from the many international students who live on campus.

IGA Kensington store owner, Phil Whitehead said “We have already had great feedback from customers who are thrilled to have a one-stop-shop which saves them a trip to the next suburb.”

At Westleigh Shopping Village, the 1,500 square metre store received an overnight upgrade and reopened under the IGA brand and ownership of Georges Achram.

“We are breathing new life into the supermarket and giving Westleigh locals a state-of-the-art local shopping experience, featuring a more comprehensive product range with an emphasis on healthy and fresh food options.” said Achram.

IGA Westleigh has also introduced a customer loyalty program which awards a point for every dollar spent in store and can be accumulated and redeemed in the future.

“Our Rewards Loyalty Program is designed to thank all of our shoppers for their fantastic support and we have already had a great response from locals, with thousands signing up for the program in the week since the store’s reopening,” said Achram.

Another new SUPA IGA store will be opening in Dubbo mid this year and will be run by the Bernadi family.

Also a former Franklins space, the store will be upgraded to include a repaint, refurbished flooring, new shelving, fixtures and refrigeration, using energy efficient technology to reduce its carbon footprint.

Joseph Bernadi, one of the three brothers said the store will give a boost to the Dubbo area and deliver a new store combination.

“From our experience, a new entrant into the market will put downward pressure on grocery prices to benefit the broader Dubbo community, and we look forward to bringing in an independently owned, market style supermarket to local residents.”