Project leader Russell Dean said the transition from a Foodworks store to an IGA had been a smooth and easy process.

The store was closed for three weeks to refit and rebrand after previous owners, the Garner family, severed ties with the business.

Mr Dean said discussions on re-establishing the IGA brand in Gloucester had been ongoing for some time.

“It was a decision we worked through with the Garner family,” Mr Dean said.

“The fit was right for us. We didn’t want to walk out of the town.”

Staff from the old Foodworks business have been retained by IGA and relationships with local producers will continue.

“We’ve still got Hebby’s bread and other local products,” he said.

“The only difference is the store’s branding has changed and the range has grown.”

Mr Dean said the business would remain an IGA with no plans to develop it as a Supa IGA.

A new owner for the store is still being sought.

“It will stay independently owned. At the moment it’s in caretaker mode but we have no doubts that it will be taken on by another independent moving forward,” Mr Dean said.

Krystle Brown is the  new store manager.

“Krystle was previously the administration manager at Foodworks and has been with the Garner family for many years,” Mr Dean said.

“She now has an opportunity to step up into a new role and advance her own career.”

Mr Dean said the Cellarbrations liquor store attached to IGA would retain its existing branding and staffing arrangements.