I’ve been going to the IGA Supermarket in Balgowlah Heights for some time – both because it’s a trusted part of my community and because they have long gone out of their way to do things that cater to that community, including myself.
In this video, I take a few minutes with Sabi, the manager of the Balgowlah Heights IGA who works alongside Bill, the owner, to discuss his store and what makes it different from other local markets. We discussed their focus on making customers first in everything they do.
Sabi described their dedication to maintaining a good stock of everything at all times. While big brands are import and they work to ensure everything is there that someone might expect on a regular shopping trip, he also goes out of his way to make it a customer and enjoyable experience for anyone who visits the store. This means regular Wednesday-Tuesday specials, and custom orders when they are needed.
I’ve benefited from this many times over. Sabi has gone out of his ways over the years to set aside special orders from Argentina and other special imports that I may not be able to find elsewhere in the wine and beer selection. This is the kind of customer focus that you want to see as part of a community like Balgowlah Heights and one of the reasons I so enjoy coming here and why Sabi and I are good friends after all these years.
If someone has a request or a need, Sabi and his team will go out of their way to set it aside or to get it in stock within the constraints of their space. The Balgowlah Heights IGA is open every day of the week from 7am-8pm but the busiest times of the day are between 2:30-4pm after school and 5:30-7pm after work for local residents.