Hutchinson's celebrates 60th birthday

Hutchinson's Bryan Hutchinson says his Hastings furnishing business is recession proof.
"It's fascinating, you have to organise yourself to where you want to be with your clients," he says. "We are fortunate, we have a very stable clientele."
Hutchinson's is celebrating its birthday this month.
Bryan's father, Ray Hutchinson, bought a furniture shop on Karamu Rd 60 years ago. In 1969, Bryan took the reins and, soon after, the shop moved from where Humanity Books is now, on Karamu Rd, to its present site on Heretaunga St East in the Spanish mission-style Hastings Municipal Buildings beside the Hawke's Bay Opera House.
They transformed their new premises from a series of disconnected ex-council departments into a nine-room showpiece of upmarket furniture, drapes and flooring.
Bryan was a councillor and deputy mayor with his business' new landlord, the Hastings District Council.
"We had a lot of fun and if you get a few brains in the council staff you have a chance of getting things done."
Bryan's wife, Anne, helped establish the interior design department of the business. She passed away three years ago.
Son-in-law Hamish Gibbs said there was strength in diversity - the store employed 17 staff in its four divisions.
"We are unusual in that we have carpets, drapes, furniture and interior design under one roof - which plays well for us when people are building their homes, because we do everything well," he said.
Hutchinson's has three fulltime interior designers, including one whohas worked for Harrods.
Today the management reins are firmly in the hands of Hamish and Bryan's son, Nathan, but Bryan drops in occasionally - the staff tea room is like a family lounge once school has finished.
Bryan says there is clear evidence they have a market edge over competitors. "We know we do it right because we have a lot of out-of-town customers from various parts of the North Island.
"The secret really is good staff - people you work well with and who can take a challenge. I'm very grateful to them."