Most Hilton locals will recognise the unmistakeable cheery whistle of Rodney Downs when doing their grocery shopping at Hilton Quarry Superspar; a whistle that has been making Hiltonians smile, at a supermarket that has been proudly serving the Hilton community for the past twenty years.This year, Rodney and Di Downs are celebrating two decades at the helm of a supermarket that goes far beyond selling milk and bread.
For Rodney and Di, it has always been about “family spirit” which includes their entire team and loyal customers; placing the local community at the heart of what they do. Having taken over ownership of the store in 2001, in partnership with Di’s father, Albert Emslie, 20 years on, it is their son Greg who is set to carry on that legacy by continuing to serve the local community.
Through various revamps and upgrades, Hilton Quarry Superspar has continually adapted to the changing times, embracing the challenges along the way and never forsaking the community that they have called home for over 20 years.
For Rodney it has been his “greatest blessing” to pour his heart and soul into growing Hilton Quarry Superspar with a focus on affordable quality and excellent customer service. “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years,” he exclaims, “It feels like yesterday that we were handed the keys to Hilton Quarry Spar - as it was then known, and we have never looked back.”
“We can’t thank the people of Hilton enough for supporting us over the years and helping us grow with the community. Your loyalty has allowed us to help various local charities, churches, schools and organisations over the years and we are incredibly proud to be part of such a caring, close-knit community.”
Behind the scenes, Di and her team run a tight ship, making sure the books balance and the business side of things are taken care of. She credits the entire staff component – some 140 employees – for helping her and Rodney steer the course of Hilton Quarry Superspar for the past twenty years. “It’s been an unbelievable journey,” says Di. “We have so many happy memories from the last couple of decades. Yes, it’s been hard work but without the dedicated, hard-working team we are fortunate to have, we wouldn’t be standing tall and proud today.”
With such strong business role-models for parents, Greg has huge respect and admiration for the formidable team of his mom and dad and has learnt from their experience over the 12 years he’s been at Hilton Quarry Superspar. “It is an honour and privilege for me to work alongside my parents and be trusted to look after what they have worked so tirelessly to accomplish,” says Greg.
“I look forward to continuing to serve the Hilton community as they have done for many more years to come.”
Hilton Quarry Superspar invites you to celebrate their 20th birthday over the next six months. From July to December 2021, you could win a R20,000 shopping voucher every month, 2-minute trolley dashes, thousands of rands worth of appliances, weekend getaways and so much more!
To enter, simply spend R20 or more in-store and write your name, number and email address on the back of your till slip and drop it into the competition box in-store. T&C’s apply.
News and images of press articles published 20 years ago - supplied.
