New World takes innovation to the car park

New World is directly tackling the issue of car park safety with the launch of ‘Park Safe’, the first programme of its kind in New Zealand.

The Park Safe programme is designed to enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians alike at New World car parks. It includes slower speed limits, easy to read signage, ‘check before you step’ strips, extra highlighting of hazards such as pillars and trolley bays, bright red and white coloured pedestrian crossings, and safety vests for staff.

Foodstuffs New Zealand Managing Director Steve Anderson says the Park Safe programme is the first of a number of innovations rolling out across the group in the coming months. “We decided to start in the car park with some new approaches to help protect our customers and their cars.  It’s not a dangerous place today, but cars do get damaged and we believed it was a great opportunity for innovation.”

“New World is all about creating New Zealand’s favourite grocery experience, and we want to start this even before people enter the store. These changes are our way of going the extra mile to ensure customers have a safe, enjoyable shopping experience with us,” says Anderson.

Simon Hobbs, Head of Product, AA Insurance says the New World Park Safe programme is a great step forward. “We all know that vehicle accidents in car parks are a common problem, so anything that helps to educate drivers to be more aware of hazards and pedestrians in high-risk areas, such as supermarket car parks, is a great idea.”

The programme will be initially piloted at New World New Lynn, New World Miramar, New World Nelson City and New World St Martins in Christchurch and then will be rolled out to the majority of New World stores nationwide over the coming six months.