The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) has officially unveiled its ‘Store of the Future’ in Ramingining, East Arnhemland.
The corporation has doubled the store’s operational size to 540sqm, which is on a par with some metropolitan supermarkets, and introduced 30 new innovations designed to improve the experience of customers and store management.
Store changes and innovations
Some of the changes and innovations include: navigation signage in local language Yolngu Matha; the introduction of mainstream brands such as BCF tackle boxes; a central cafe that offers fresh and hot food items; a tech zone that offers email setup, SIM card activation and data transfer; food van services for remote outstations and ceremonial events; and extra aisles to ensure locals have access to a large non-food range.
The entire community was invited to the event, which was celebrated with a local Bungal dance.
ALPA Chairman Reverend Dr Djiniyini Gondarra, who officially launched the store, said, “This is a testament to what Yolngu businesses and communities can create. From a small idea three years ago, Ramingining now has a store of the future and we hope to roll out this to all our Arnhemland communities after our innovations are trialled.”
According to ALPA General Manager of Retail Michael Dykes, having a store of the future has given the corporation’s team a rally point for innovation.
APLA’s ties to indigenous community go back decades
ALPA’s ties to this indigenous community go back to 1982 when it bought one of its first stores in Ramingining.
Construction was managed by the corporation’s construction arm Bukmak with the assistance of Yolngu workers.
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