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Investing in our stores
Our footprint growth plans are well under way with projects delivering additional
new stores, replacement stores and the expansion of existing stores. Over the next
five years, we will increase our selling space by approximately 30,000 square metres.
At the same time, we will be refitting the exteriors and interiors of the stores in our
existing network.
This year, we expanded our Pukekohe and Timaru stores and opened a new
replacement store in Gisborne. In September 2011, a new larger store was
opened in Hastings and we commenced trading at our new store in Whitianga.
Silverdale: our most
significant development
in a decade
External modernisation
programme
We are working with our
landlords around the
country on a five-year
programme to improve
the look of the exterior
of our buildings, rolling
out a consistent
modern look across the
portfolio. Maintenance
and initiatives such as
installation of energyefficient
lighting will also
be carried out at this time.
We are targeting around
50 stores under the
modernisation programme.
In-store environment
We believe our customers
come to us as we deliver
‘value for money’ in the
best available retail spaces
in New Zealand. It is vital
to us that we continually
improve our customers’
in-store experience. Our
objective is to have the
right products at the right
price, all with the right
store aesthetics.
Our internal store refresh
and refit programme
continues to deliver a
contemporary, pragmatic
and modern look to
our in-store shopping
environment. This
significant investment
programme will result
in over 60 stores having
a new look by Christmas
2011. Our three Bay of
Plenty stores, Tauranga,
Papamoa and Fraser
Cove, have already
received significant
internal upgrades.
Our programme of modular
investments included
the installation of new
jewellery counters in 41
stores; these significantly
improve presentation thus
supporting sales growth
in this category. A new
look and feel for our book
department is now in place
in 17 stores.
Pah Road, Royal Oak
Resource consent has
been granted for a
new Warehouse store
development at Pah Road,
Royal Oak. Development
is about to commence
and is expected to open in
late 2012. Our architects
have designed a modern
building in keeping with the
surrounding area.
Back in 1994, The Warehouse had the foresight to
purchase a seven-hectare property in Silverdale. Population
growth in the surrounding area of Whangaparaoa and the
encroachment of Auckland had the hallmarks of a future
demographic that could support a large-scale development.
The area, now showing the fastest population growth in New
Zealand, is about to benefit from our new 23,000m 2 retail
development: a unique shopping experience with a more
diverse offer than anywhere else in the district.
This exciting new development will bring together anchor
tenants The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery and
Countdown. Space for an additional 32 tenants including
fashion, food, homewares and electronic retailers is currently
being marketed. Strong interest has been received from
national retailers to locate on the development.
The area is rich in history and our architects Stiffe
Hooker and construction partner Naylor Love have
incorporated features into the design and build that
showcase Silverdale’s distinctive past. Use of timber and
native plants bring the natural environment to the site and
large sedimentary rocks known as ‘concretions’ – which are
unique to the surrounding landscape – are incorporated
into the extensive landscaping.
This project commenced in 2009 and is being
led by our property team. It is scheduled
for completion in late 2012.
Architect’s impression
PROPERTY FEATURE 18 PROPERTY FEATURE 19