Drakes Supermarkets is set to bring a fresh shopping experience to Mount Gambier, South Australia’s largest regional city, with the upcoming opening of its 69th store. Located at the former Coles site in the heart of the city’s CBD, the store will be a significant addition to the community, creating over 150 new job opportunities.
This exciting development comes after a four-year vacancy, with Drakes teaming up with Leyton Property for the purchase and refurbishment of the site. The full refit of the store will begin in the coming weeks, and the new location will serve as Drakes’ flagship store.
Drakes’ Managing Director, Roger Drake (picture on right with son, JP) , is particularly excited about this store’s opening as it marks a personal milestone for him—over 50 years ago, he managed the original Coles store in Mount Gambier before venturing out to start Drakes. He describes the return to the site as a “full-circle moment” and is proud to be revitalizing the location for the local community.
The new Drakes store will offer a wide range of products designed to meet the needs of the Mount Gambier community, including an expanded meat selection, high-quality fresh produce, and a full-service delicatessen. The store will also feature The Little Kitchen, offering made-to-order hot meals and salads, and a café wall for quick, on-the-go options.
“We’re thrilled to bring Drakes to Mount Gambier,” says John-Paul “JP” Drake. “The people of Mount Gambier have been asking for it, and we’re excited to give them a family-owned store with outstanding value and customer service.”
Drakes is committed to reinvesting in the local community and ensuring a top-tier shopping experience. The store is slated to open in late 2025, promising to be a welcomed addition to the region.
