Hayward’s Supermarket, freshly renovated with the help of OBM architects, located on Middle Road is now a part of White & Sons Ltd. Business is thriving for the modernised supermarket only a short distant from White’s.

“We kept the Hayward name as it is so recognisable and people know it as a grocery store. Now it is under our umbrella and we are very pleased with the business,” said Michael White, president of White & Sons Ltd.

The 8,000 square feet store, formerly about 5,000 square feet, is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, Monday through Saturday, and business is booming.

Brothers Michael White president and Gary White vice-president said that the new Hayward’s was a three year project, transforming the old store into a modern facility.

“We are thrilled at the success thus far and we feel the community is pleased to have a neighbourhood grocery store again. Business is great, especially from lunchtime until about 3 p.m. each day and then it picks up again from 5 p.m. until closing,” the brothers said.

White & Sons Supermarket was started in 1924 by Mr. Leyland E. White, and the first store was located near Whites in Warwick and included a small grocery store, a butcher shop, and a cycle shop.

In 1940, the business moved to White’s present location at 22 Middle Road, Warwick. Pet supplies were added to the existing grocery and butcher shop operations.

In 1941 Mr. Leyland White’s son, Morris, joined the company and was followed in later years by his two brothers, Leslie and Vincent White. In 1962 Mr. Leyland White retired and handed over a sound and successful business to his sons.

A major expansion was completed in 1966, which increased the size of the store by four times. Concurrent with this expansion, liquor and household items were added to the store’s lines of business. In 1973 Morris White became president and owner of White & Sons Limited.

The White brothers said that a major fire occurred during civil unrest in 1977, causing extensive damage to the grocery store. However, the building was quickly repaired and somewhat expanded and by then operations included a full service pharmacy and today’s president, Michael joined the family business in 1983.

Gary, Mr. Morris White’s youngest child joined the family business in 1991. At the end of 1994 Mr. Morris White retired, leaving his two capable sons to carry on a flourishing family tradition.

Their sister, Karen Sutton works part-time as the firm’s human resource manager.

Hayward’s supermarket opened quietly at 4 p.m. on February 13 this year. Everyone was surprised at the influx of customers and their positive reactions.

The store is light and airy, and has a full complement of grocery store items with modern freezers lined against fresh, white walls and aisles are wide and clear. Hayward’s includes a delicious deli selling self-service meals prepared by executive chef, Patrick Niklaus, and his team.

Gary White said: “Our family has always been in retail. During the early 1900s we had businesses from Somerset to Warwick. There was a motor cycle shop, feed stores and a grocery store back then.”

“We have another expansive plan to open a South Side store on the same scale as White’s on Middle Road. Extensive renovations, going on for the past five years, have been going on at the East End and by the end of the summer we hope to have our doors open for trade,” said Michael White.

Both brothers spoke very highly of the 17 staff at Hayward’s, especially the three managers; Leon Dickinson, Mary Frances and Geoffrey Place.

“We believe in all of our staff and commend them for the great service that they provide to our customers. Everyone gets along well and our mission is to offer superb service from a dedicated team,” the brothers said.

Every day presents its own challenges but the impressive attitude at White’s is the team effort and people working together to bring harmony and success to customers.

This week there will be tastings for customers to try various products, buy one, get one free things, and a grand raffle for a Suzuki RC 100 bike, with a purchase of $50 or more, to take place in a couple of weeks.

Mr. Gary White concluded: “On behalf of management and our employees, we extend a sincere welcome to Hayward’s shoppers and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial association with our customers.”