Pop-up supermarket opens next to New World Hutt City following Kaikoura quakes closure

A pop-up supermarket is opening next to its quake-cordoned sister in Hutt City.

New World Hutt City supermarket was found to be structurally sound following the Kaikoura earthquakes, but was closed because of the planned post-quake demolition of the nearby Queensgate car park building.

However, husband-and-wife owner operators Steve and Sarah Williams said overwhelming support from long-time customers keen for the store to reopen had prompted them to open a pop-up shop in a giant marquee outside the existing store.

It's [been] frustrating as our store is perfectly sound and packed to the rafters with awesome products our customers need. We just can't let them in safely at the moment," Sarah Williams said.

The pop-up was constructed in a safe zone on the supermarket's car park and took less than 24 hours to erect.

More than 700 of the store's most popular products, including fresh fruit and veges, dairy, meats, deli and frozen products will be available.

It will open to customers late tomorrow afternoon, before closing at 7pm. Opening hours on following days will be 8am to 8pm, with the pop-up store expected to remain open for a "week or so", she said.

The pop-up supermarket took less than 24 hours to construct. Photo / Courtesy of Elias Rodriguez

Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin said the pop-up was the result of a team effort between New World Hutt City and the co-operative.

"The close personal bonds we have with our owner-operators, and the connection they have in turn with their customers, push the whole team to do extraordinary things every day."

Steve Williams said he expected the large marquee would be a talking point.

"There will still be plenty of parking, customers will be able to use Eftpos, and everyone can still earn points on their New World Clubcard. Our staff can't wait to get back in amongst it again, and catch up with customers they are used to seeing each week."

The pop-up is likely to be in place until the Hutt City Council declares it's safe to reopen the store following the demolition of the Queensgate car park and cinema.

The couple wanted to thank customers and staff, who had worked hard to get the pop-up going, he said.

"We're getting back on our feet again, and want to help you get back to normal too. Christmas is just around the corner, it's time to load up on essentials - after all, there's actually a lot to be thankful for, and it's a time of year when generosity means everything."