A family whose rise in retail has become the stuff of
legend in Gqeberha are now looking to emulate their success in Kariega.
In August, Peter Barnes and wife Leigh-Anne took over SUPERSPAR
Levyvale in Settlers Crescent where they hope to become familiar – and trusted
– faces in the community.
The Barneses, who have been joined in their new
endeavour by junior partner Dean Venter, are known in Nelson Mandela Bay retail
circles for starting out at the bottom and working their way up.
Peter’s journey with the retailer began in the
mid-1990s after friends who were working for the organisation recommended he
apply since he held a personnel management qualification.
He started as a trainee operations manager, learning
the ropes at various outlets in Gqeberha. As he became more experienced, he was
seconded to assist stores in other parts of the province.
“I realised I really enjoyed the work and wanted to do
it permanently.
When the store in Sunridge became available, they decided
to buy it.
It was a family-run business in the truest sense, with
Peter, his brother David, their wives and even parents involved.
He fondly recalls his father, Les, standing at the
front door greeting customers as they entered.
In 2004, the centre where the shop was located received
a complete overhaul and with that came the opportunity to build a SUPERSPAR.
They always had a sense they would do well at larger
premises and, in many ways, it became a flagship for the Group in the Friendly
City.
The family sold in 2022.
While they had shopped around for other business
opportunities, none particularly took their fancy. Then Levyvale became
available.
“I want to be in a business where I can get involved
with staff and contribute,” Peter says.
“I know people who have owned the store previously, so
I knew a bit about its history. I also have friends from Uitenhage who went to
Muir [College].
“I play golf there as well. So, I thought, ‘Why not?’”
The couple have already seen many positives as well as
similarities to their former business. They are finding residents to be
easy-going, much like they were in Sunridge and the neighbouring Framesby.
Peter says for retailers to be successful in today’s
tough economic climate, it is crucial to offer customers quality and
consistency.
“People shop around now so you need to do something
extra to keep your customers. Many stores look the same and offer the same
products, so you need to fight to keep every customer.”
Building a strong sense of community is vital, he
says. To this end, Peter intends collaborating with local schools.
Their other major focus is to provide extra training
for staff.
Leigh-Anne oversees HR and the training programme,
Peter says.
“We want people who are skilled and have the kind of personality
that always makes our customers feel welcome.”
