Metcash begins supermarket conversion

After an uphill battle to gain rights to acquire the Franklins supermarket chain, Metcash has begun converting the Franklins’ corporate stores to the IGA banner and independent ownership.

The first of 80 Franklins stores, the Miller store now IGA Miller has undergone a refurbishment with the addition of a new produce department, new layout, lighting, signage and an expansion of grocery lines, including the addition of IGA’s Black & Gold and IGA Signature private label brands.

“The conversion of the Franklins outlets to IGA will deliver a big win for consumers as passionate owner operators like the Hazouri family take over each store and deliver an offering just ‘how the locals like it’,” Andrew Reitzer, Metcash CEO, said.

Discussions are continuing with prospective owners of the other Franklins outlets and the conversion of ownership and brands will take place over the next year.