Coles has reopened its historic Prahran supermarket – one of the oldest Coles in the country – after its major refurbishment, which it says will breathe life back into the struggling Chapel Street shopping precinct as well as create 50 new jobs in the area. The Prahran store’s structural building dates back to 1902. The site was originally an upmarket department store MacLellan & Co, known as “The Big Store”. This is the first major refurbishment to the location since it opened as
as Coles Prahran in 1969.
Within just seven weeks, retail specialists Mainbrace Constructions demolished, gutted, rebuilt and fitted out the store, while maintaining the original heritage-listed features of its facade.
The updated supermarket is part of Coles’ $120 million investment in Victoria for fiscal 2019. The company says this has created more than 1600 new construction and retail jobs across seven new supermarkets, including the recently opened Coles supermarket in Kew and Coles Local in Surrey Hills. The Victoria Gardens and Spencer Street stores have also both been recently renewed.
The reopening of Coles Prahran comes ahead of the completion of a multi-level carpark situated at the back of the property, a project led by the City of Stonnington.
Coles Prahran store manager Steve Filianos, who has worked with Coles for 26 years, says the new-look store will bring much-needed reinvigoration and convenience to the area.
The recently launched Coles Fresh Kitchens preprepared range will be available at Prahran, as will the new “on-the-go” convenience offerings of sandwiches and salads, pizza and curries.
In addition, a larger health and sporting food category has been introduced – including protein bars, sushi and convenience meals designed to accommodate Prahran’s health- and fitness-conscious customers.
