Priya Patel has carved a unique spot in New Zealand’s retail landscape at just 21, as one of the youngest supermarket owners, leading SuperValue Whanganui with ambition and dedication, The New Zealand Herald has reported. Patel's journey to this milestone has been shaped by years of dedication to the family business and an unshakable passion for retail.
Patel’s connection to the industry began early. By the age of 5, she was helping in her family’s dairy in Palmerston North, often standing on a milk crate to reach the counter. “Growing up, playing with the checkout was my version of a PlayStation,” she said.
Throughout high school, Patel balanced school and work. “I would put my bags away and then go downstairs and start working. It was just part of my routine to be fully immersed in the business,” she told Herald.
This deep-rooted commitment has not gone unnoticed. A spokesperson for FreshChoice, the brand that will soon transform Patel’s SuperValue into one of their stores, confirmed her position as one of the youngest store owners in the country. They credited her success to a “deep-rooted passion for the industry and the local community," Herald quoted.
A Dream Realised
Owning a supermarket had always been a family dream, but Patel never expected to achieve it so early in life. In November 2024, with the support of her parents and a bank loan, she took ownership of the Whanganui store.
Her path to this achievement was not without challenges. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management at Victoria University of Wellington, Patel faced a setback when government cuts forced her to leave her first full-time job. When the opportunity to buy the supermarket arose, she seized it without hesitation.
Dedication and Hard Work
Running a supermarket is no small task. Patel often works 16-hour days to ensure everything runs smoothly. “When I wanted to do this, I knew it was a huge responsibility and that it wasn’t something I could switch off from. This is my life,” she said.
Her meticulous approach means she often stays at the store until late at night. “If I want to sleep soundly, I have to get everything checked off my to-do list, even if that’s at 11 pm,” she added.
Despite the pressure, Patel thrives on the energy her work brings. “I love it. When you’re passionate about something, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure it works right.”
Family Support and Shared Success
This summer, Patel’s younger sister, Khushi, has been working alongside her. At 18, Khushi is proud of her sister’s achievements, having witnessed her overcome challenges like commuting daily to Wellington for franchisee training. “Sometimes I’m like, ‘Is this a dream, or is it actually real?’” Khushi said.
The sisters’ journey together began behind the counter of their parents’ dairy, and now, seeing Priya manage a supermarket feels surreal to Khushi.
Building Community Connections
Patel’s retail experience has taught her the importance of relationships. Growing up above her parents’ dairy, she valued the connection with regular customers. “The customers become like family when you have that connection with them,” she said.
Interestingly, many customers are unaware that she owns the supermarket. “When I tell them my actual age, they do get shocked,” she admitted.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Patel’s message to young aspiring business owners is clear: “Just do it—and if you don’t know how to do it, figure it out. Never give up. It’s going to be a long journey, and you will have obstacles, but that’s just part of it. It builds your character.”
From her early days on a milk crate to owning a supermarket at 21, Priya Patel’s story is a testament to determination, passion, and hard work. Her journey continues to inspire those around her as she prepares to rebrand her store into a FreshChoice later this year.
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