Drakes Supermarkets marks its 50th year in business and is celebrating this milestone by giving five Drakes customers a chance to play to win $1 million each, with a total of $5 million to be won.
With humble beginnings as a small, three-laned supermarket in 1974, the South Australian family owned and operated business has become Australia’s largest independent grocery retailer with 66 stores across South Australia and Queensland, employing over 6000 staff nationally.
Reflecting on his 50 years in business, Drakes founder and Managing Director Roger Drake expressed gratitude to his supportive customers and hardworking staff. He attributes Drakes’ success to the unwavering commitment to their customers and dedication to giving back to the South Australian and Queensland communities in which they operate.
“Our customers are the most important people in our business”, says Roger Drake. “Drakes’ strength lies in operating on the principles of supporting local manufacturers, farmers and suppliers. Despite our expansion [over the last few years], we remain focused on the important aspect of the supermarket business – our customers, striving to always provide superior customer service.
“I am extremely grateful for the past 50 years since I have been in the supermarket business,” he said. “I commenced in this industry in 1965 when I worked with Coles; and after a few years working my way through all facets of the business, I decided I could give this a go on my own and in 1974 opened my very first three laned supermarket. In 1977, I then opened my first large supermarket and with the support of all my staff and customers; what do they say – the rest is history!”
Second generation Director of Drakes John-Paul Drake recalls growing up entrenched in the family business, securing his first job at the age of 11 as a trolley collector. Watching and learning from Roger as he built the business from the ground up, John-Paul has a healthy respect for his dad and the team who have helped Drakes to grow into the success story it is today. He promises that Drakes will always remain a family business, with three generations of Drakes family members currently working in it.
“Drakes is long term and generational. This isn’t a business that’s been built for me or my kids – it’s for the future. We will always be a family business with family values that extend beyond our team, but our corporate structure will ensure that the decisions made are the most responsible ones security of our entire ecosystem”, says John-Paul Drake. “It has been, and continues to be, a privilege and a responsibility to lead the best team in the business.”
“Roger’s best-known saying to our team is ‘I am not your boss, the customer is your boss, for without customers, none of us would have a job!’ I like to remind him of this when he tries to tell me off for something! But this really sums up the values of our business – to be customer led. We want to provide our customers with exceptional service, value for money, great range and an outstanding shopping experience. “We’re all about choice” he adds.
Drakes boasts one of highest staff retention rates in the industry with almost 800 staff with 10 or more years’ service with seven having dedicated over 40 years working in the business.
“We are committed to the growth of the Drakes business, to serve Australians for generations to come”, Roger said, “Since the business commenced in 1974, we have employed over 50,000 staff; and customers often tell me that they have a family member or know someone who has worked in one of our supermarkets. I can assure you, we will be employing people from our local community for generations to come”.
“We understand that for many of our team members, working in our stores will be their first job before they move into their chosen field. It’s our goal to ensure that when you see Drakes on a resume, you know that team member has come from good foundations,” John-Paul said.
To celebrate this significant milestone, Drakes has planned a series of exclusive events and promotions throughout the year, including giving five of their customers a chance to play for $1 million each with $5 million up for grabs. To enter this major competition, customers simply purchase a specially marked product and spend $40 in an eligible transaction to enter. Scan the myDrakes app to be automatically entered with each qualifying purchase.
Don’t miss the exclusive interview with Roger Drake and John-Paul Drake in the upcoming Retail World April issue.