Musselburgh Foodcentre owner Sue Jones said her staff were left shaken after two people robbed the store just before 8pm.
Images supplied by police from the store's CCTV system show one of the alleged robbers brandishing what appears to be a pistol, as the other offender, possibly a woman, stands at the till.
Mrs Jones said she had been inundated with supportive messages and flowers yesterday after the first aggravated robbery of the Musselburgh Rise shop in her 18 years of owning it.
''We've had a lot of community support with flowers and nice messages.
''We saw the terrible side of Dunedin last night and today we're seeing the lovely, great, supportive side.''
In-store cameras captured clear images of the alleged offenders, but they were both covering their faces. Despite this, Mrs Jones was ''very hopeful'' police would catch them.
She also heaped praise on the attending officers.
''Police have been absolutely awesome and so supportive.''
No-one was injured.
Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said police were appealing for information ''from anyone who saw anything suspicious outside the shop before or after the robbery.''
''If anyone is offered cut-price or unusual quantities of cigarettes or tobacco, please contact us.''
As of yesterday evening, police inquiries were ongoing and they had yet to make any arrests in connection with the robbery.
Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.
