Rigters’ community links in Geraldton star in national supermarket campaign

The Geraldton family behind a chain of local IGA stores will feature in a nation-wide advertising campaign.

The Rigter family, who own three IGA supermarkets in Geraldton, are one of four retailers in West Australia sharing their story in IGA’s video campaign, 1400 Stores 1400 Stories.

In the short video — which will be screened in cinemas, on TV and online — John Rigter talks about the family business’ humble beginnings in 1969 and their continued involvement in the community.

“A lot of times when a national chain came to town, that was the end of the local grocery store,” he said in the video.

“We were determined that wasn’t going to happen. We’re here for the long run, we’re here for the town.”

Mr Rigter’s son, general manager Kyme, also stars in the video — despite his best efforts to avoid the film crew.

“I’m not much for the spotlight, I generally make (operations manager) Stuart Bain do all the photos and videos,” Kyme Rigter said with a laugh.

“(The video) came up really well, we’re really happy with it.

“Every store — even though people see them as just a supermarket — is owned by a different family who usually has long-standing history in the community.

“Every store has a different story behind it and each owner has their own unique story to tell.”

One of the more unique elements of Queens SUPA IGA also features in the video — the 94-year-old piano from the old Queens Motor Hotel.

“It is pretty cool we’ve got the piano in the store for people to play,” Kyme Rigter said.

“That was one of the things they wanted to get into that ad ... they filmed (employee) Louis Canny playing it for ages.”

The national campaign has filmed 22 retailers across Australia.

This month Rigters SUPA IGA — John and Beryl Rigter’s first supermarket in Geraldton — took out one of the top gongs at Market West’s annual awards. It won the Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Regional Store award.

Watch the video here.