Ritchies IGA wins Retail Asia Awards 2026 for Balnarring refurbishment

The store redevelopment expanded the retail footprint whilst introducing premium departments and sustainable design.

Ritchies IGA won Supermarket of the Year - Australia in the Retail Asia Awards 2026. Australia’s largest and oldest independent retailer secured the accolade after a major transformation of its Balnarring store on the Mornington Peninsula between 2023 and 2025.

The redevelopment project expanded the total store footprint by 40%. The company invested over AU$10m to improve the internal and external facade of the building, alongside upgraded roofing, flooring, and amenities. This expansion enabled a significant repositioning toward fresh food offerings, with key departments like meat, produce, deli, bakery, chicken, and sushi substantially enlarged.

Additionally, the liquor section doubled in size and welcomed a dedicated wine tasting room for daily sampling. Other experiential additions included a fresh food theatre with a centralised cut fruit and juice station, a mechanical rotating seafood display, and an in-store meat servery for customised cuts. The bakery department also introduced specialty equipment such as a doughnut machine and a popcorn station.

Sustainability and social responsibility formed a key part of the store design. Ritchies adopted carbon dioxide refrigeration systems and environmentally conscious building materials. The store also set up dedicated donation and recycling stations where customers contribute food, pet supplies, toys, books, and soft plastics for donation back to the community.

The strategic changes yielded measurable commercial results. Total store sales increased by more than 35% after the reopening, driven by a wider range, increased footage, and improved layouts. Fresh categories grew to account for nearly 50% of total sales, which helped improve gross margins through a curated selection of premium gourmet products and local merchandise. 

The stores redevelopment was assisted by Metcash Ltd, its wholesale distributor and retail partner, and The Retail Group, who designed the store.

The location now stands as the second-highest trading store in Victoria for Ritchies.

The Retail Asia Awards highlights the pinnacle of excellence, innovation, and leadership within the retail industry across the Asia Pacific region. It serves as a benchmark of success, honouring companies and individuals who have made remarkable contributions to shaping the future of retail.

The Retail Asia Awards is presented by Retail Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional products or initiatives in the Retail industry, please contact Marni Marco at [email protected].