THE sense of community at IGA Alexandra Hills is what keeps owner Dan Rigney getting up at 3.30am every morning to open the store.
That community spirit has now been recognised, with the store winning the Customer Experience Award at the Queensland and Northern NSW IGA Awards on February 19.
The win means the Alexandra Hills supermarket will now represent the region at the National IGA Awards of Excellence in July.
Mr Rigney and his wife Jacki were praised for creating a welcoming store culture and maintaining exceptional customer service.
Host Shane Jacobson said the couple had built a reputation for genuine care for their customers.
“They always create a welcoming atmosphere for every customer – from friendly smiles to ensuring fast and efficient service,” he said.
“Under their leadership, the team is inspired to prioritise customer needs, transforming the store into a true social hub.
“Their dedication, energy, and passion make Dan and Jacki not just outstanding operators, but local heroes.”
Mr Rigney said the award belonged to the team that helped build the store’s community atmosphere.
“We have a community within a community here,” he said.
“We have a coffee table in the store, and the tradies come in before work with lots of banter.
“Then the smart mums come for coffee after they’ve dropped off the kids.”
The store even employs a full-time barista, which Mr Rigney jokes has earned international recognition.
“We have a full-time barista, and the store is internationally acclaimed,” he said.
“I mean, I mention it every time I go overseas, so it’s been acclaimed internationally.”
Mr Rigney is no stranger to awards, having collected three Australian and six
Queensland best overall small format store awards over the past two decades.
The business has also won the Stan Green Customer Service Award at the Redland Business Awards in recent years.
“It’s a pat on the back for the effort we put in,” he said.
“But the real reward is the feedback we receive from the community.”
Giving back to that community is also a key focus for the business, including sponsoring the Dan Rigney IGA Community Award presented each year at Hilliard State School.
“I get goose bumps talking about it,” he said.
Mr Rigney bought the store 13 years ago from his wife’s parents, Wayne and Narelle McKinnon, who had operated it for 34 years.
“I fell into it,” he said.
“Jacki’s dad was having a back operation, and I helped him out two days a week.
“That was more than 20 years ago and things stemmed from there.”
The family connection remains strong, with all of Mr Rigney’s children having worked in the store at some stage.
While his sons are now plumbers and his wife and daughter are school teachers, he said the store remained a big part of their lives.
Despite challenges including competition, COVID and the rising cost of living, Mr Rigney said the independent store remained competitive with the major supermarkets.
“We have had a few challenges – competition and Covid and cost of living, but I am proud to say that our prices match Coles and Woolworths,” he said.
“I did a $160 shop not long ago and ours was $6 cheaper.
“That’s really something when a 200-square-metre store can match a 3000-square-metre major supermarket.”
Mr Rigney said customers frequently commented on the friendliness of the staff.
“I often get asked where I find them,” he said.
The strong bonds extend beyond the workplace, with staff and customers regularly socialising together outside work.
“We go out for dinners and camping trips together,” he said.
IGA Alexandra Hills was one of 22 award winners recognised on the night, judged on criteria including customer service, community pride, merchandising, brand values and overall store performance.
