A delicious sausage sizzle, free creamy sponge cake and face painting for the kiddies were just some of the happenings on offer at the Grand Opening of the new IGA in Hawks Nest last Saturday.

Outside the store, Rotary Club members manned the barbecue feeding a steady stream of hungry shoppers with snags and onions.

Inside, shoppers were greeted by employees Colleen Ross and Betty Sinclair, handing out cake and plenty of cheer.

Betty has worked at the Dungog IGA for eight years but volunteered her time to come to Hawks Nest and help out with the Grand Opening.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful, great reviews, people have been really wonderful, they love the shop,” said Betty.

“There’s everything here, it’s a classy store.”

It’s been a busy year for owners Peter Trappel and James Lovegrove.

“It’s a big job starting from scratch, but the young staff are coming along well,” Peter said.

IGA has now launched its customer loyalty program, which is a great incentive for locals and community organisations.

Every dollar spent in store earns two points and shoppers can allocate all or some of their points to go to a not-for-profit organisation or charity.

Peter is calling on local schools, charities and other not-for-profit organisations to drop in and sign up, so they can benefit from the program financially.

Local shoppers are also encouraged to do the same or pop online and become a loyalty member.

By Margie TIERNEY