Owners of the Welcome Bay Foodmarket say they aren't going anywhere after Wednesday night's armed robbery.

The foodmarket on Welcome Bay Road was robbed around 6.30pm after a women, armed with a knife and wearing a dark hoodie and black mask, entered the building and took money and cigarettes.

The store owners say that in the 21 years of them running the dairy, this is the third time they have been robbed.

'There are a few rotten eggs in the community but we are not going to let them break us.”

'We have had so much support from the community, people coming in and saying that they support us. This is a wonderful community.”

'We want to thank the community for all of their support and kind messages. We are not going anywhere anytime soon.”

The police are continuing to investigate the armed robbery and have taken fingerprints.

Anyone with information about the robbery are encouraged to contact Tauranga Police Station on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.