A supermarket price war is about to explode in the Regent when the new Countdown store opens just metres away from rival New World tomorrow. We went to nearby Wallace St to talk to those in the trenches at the frontline of the price war to find out what they think about it and which of the two stores they'd use ... and most don't seem to be happy, with concerns over parking, the extra traffic and noise
Una Pickerill:
She will continue to use Pak'nSave for most of her shopping because she finds it cheaper than Countdown and New World, but will use New World at times.
"I won't be using Countdown at all," she said. Ms Pickerill is not happy about the extra traffic the new supermarket will generate, particularly on Manse St - which has lots of schoolchildren walking along it twice a day during term - and Wallace St. The thought of cheaper groceries from the competition caused by the new Countdown didn't sway her either.
Cliff Brunker:
Mr Brunker has lived in Wallace St since 1957. He isn't entirely happy at the changes since the Countdown construction started or the extra traffic it will bring. He was worried that the extra traffic on Manse St particularly could make it difficult to get in and out of his road.
"And the cheaper prices don't really bother me that much, I can go from one to the other now to check those out, but the traffic will be a problem, especially when it meets the school traffic (for nearby Whangarei Boys' and Girls' high schools and Whangarei Primary School)."