Landmark Picton Mall sold to supermarket chain
Pic cap: Mariners Mall has been a feature of Picton High Street for almost four decades. Photo: Supplied.
Picton’s Mariners Mall has been sold to Woolthworths New Zealand.
After 37 years, long-standing owners, the Hagman family have sold the High Street mall, it has been revealed this morning.
And while the family say the sale comes with a “sense of sadness,” they are hopeful the move will ultimately benefit the Picton community.
Woolworths New Zealand owns and operates more than 185 supermarkets in New Zealand.
It is one of New Zealand’s largest employers with 22,000 team members across over 195 supermarkets, distribution centres, processing plants and support offices.
The late Earl Hagaman developed the Mall after falling in love with the area in 1984. It opened amid much fanfare in 1987, bring a supermarket, 21 shops and 10 offices to the town.
It was the property magnate’s hope the Mall would contribute to the success of Picton’s future.
Earl, a Californian expatriate, and owner of the Scenic Hotels group, was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2013 for services to business.
Today, his wife Lani Hagaman says a change in shopping trends prompted the sale.
“Over the years retail trends have changed and while it is with a touch of sadness we now sell the Mall, it is also with excited anticipation that we pass the ownership of Mariners Mall to Woolworths New Zealand for them to bring added vibrancy to the Picton region.”
Earl died at the age of 91 years old in May 2017, leaving behind a rumoured $180 million dollar fortune.
Woolworths has a strong connection with the site, as the franchisor of the FreshChoice supermarket, which has been there since the Mall first opened.
Franchisees Hamish and Heide Watson have served the community since 2013, with their family links dating back to the original store.
Woolworths New Zealand’s Director of Property Matthew Grainger says Picton is a special part of the country and the grocery retailer is looking forward to investing further in the local community.
“The Hagaman family have an incredible legacy in the local community and we feel honoured that they’re passing the baton over to us with the purchase of Mariners Mall.
“At this stage nothing is changing, but as we get further into our planning we’ll be sure to share more with the community.”