2020s
The stores were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with the retail stores closing during lockdowns and otherwise operating with limited hours. Co-op Fresh Foodland remained open throughout, placing purchase limits on items such as hand sanitiser, disinfectant toilet paper, rice, meat and other essential items to extend supply. Mask mandates were put in place, affecting both staff and customers. The store extended trading hours as well as introducing priority hours for seniors, pensioners and disabled, as well as sensory, emergency & healthcare. A trolley sanitiser was also installed in December 2020 to further assist in the upkeep of hygiene and sanitisation in-store. This machine became a permanent fixture in the store post-pandemic. Later in 2020 there were limits of how many customers could shop in-store at a time, and QR code registration for entry was introduced by the government in December 2020 through to 2021.
In April 2020, the shopping centre was renamed Barossa Central with a new logo, in order to encompass the Barossa Co-op stores as well as tenants within the shopping centre. Barossa Toyworld was moved back to the 21 Murray Street department store building and The Design Studio opened in its place in 2021. Barossa Workwear, a new internal store adjacent to Rod & Spur, opened in 2020 to provide the community’s trading businesses with apparel.
In July 2021, the supermarket ceased its 57-year agreement with the Foodland franchise and on July 1st 2021, it was renamed Barossa Fresh, becoming South Australia’s largest independent regional supermarket. This change included a vibrant rebranding, and the introduction of two online delivery vans, Basil & Cherry.
In October 2022, the Barossa Co-op branding was refreshed with a modern and fresher look to begin the new decade. This new logo communicates the co-operative’s aspirations for being Barossa first, progressive, expansive, community owned and a must visit destination.
More tenancies opened in Barossa Central in 2022 and 2023, such as Essential Beauty and national food chains Dominos and Zambreros.
Barossa Workwear moved to the Barossa Mitre 10 building in 2024 to make it a one stop shop for trading and apparel, and Rod & Spur was expanded within the 21 Murray Street building.
In June 2024, Barossa Co-op ceased its agreement with Sportspower to became a franchisee of Intersport, and the store will reopen in October 2024 in the Barossa Regional Shopping Centre building.
The Foodland warehouse in the Barossa Regional Shopping Centre building was also leased out to South Australian kids play café franchise Little Rockets. The space was renovated to become a kids play café, playground, arcade, laser tag space, and trading card and collectible store.
In 2024, Barossa Co-op celebrates its 80th birthday on October 16th 2024.
