Chinese shopper says store manager racially abused him

Photo / Supplied

A man who claims he was racially abused at a Countdown supermarket was offered a $50 voucher by the company.

David Cao, 18, tried to shop at Lynfield Countdown three minutes after the supermarket closed at midnight on August 27.

He was unaware the store had changed from opening 24 hours a day a week before the incident.

The doors were open and the lights were still on, so the Mt Roskill Grammar School student thought the supermarket was still trading.

However Mr Cao said a "big man" came over and allegedly yelled ,"Can't you f****ing read the sign or do you need a translator?"

Mr Cao, who is Chinese, said the man, later identified as a manager, then threatened him.

He allegedly told Mr Cao to leave or "I will smash your face in".

"I thought it was quite racist against all Asian people," said Mr Cao.

Countdown stores are owned by Progressive Enterprises. Spokesman Jacques Losken said the company had arranged a meeting for this morning between Mr Cao, the manager involved and the area manager.

"From a business point of view we take the complaint very seriously, and we expect the highest level of behaviour from our staff. This incident will need to be investigated and, based on the outcomes, the appropriate action will be taken."

Mr Cao returned to the store the evening after the incident to complain about the abuse, but the duty manager would not speak to him.

The store supervisor said the accused manager denied the incident happened and refused to apologise.

Mr Cao said that "he also lied about the time. He said it happened at 3am."

The manager of the store offered Mr Cao a $50 voucher, but no apology was forthcoming from the executive who had allegedly abused him.

"I do understand and agree that the store has a right to change their trading hours at any time. But I don't agree this is how he should treat his customers.

"Countdown is one of the largest supermarkets in New Zealand. I do not think their brand is just worth a small $50. We are not here for money."