Unique products and great customer service key for Hastings retailers

Wayne and Caro Jensen at their new shop Creative Treasures in Hastings are stocking up on unique products in time for Christmas. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Creative Treasures is a newcomer to Heretaunga St West and owners Wayne and Caro Jensen say the shop has been attracting a lot of interest in its first weeks.

Stocking gifts, souvenirs and kiwiana, the pair opened the business after their research highlighted the need for a one-stop gift shop in Hastings.

"There are a lot of these types of shops in Napier and we looked around similar stores in Palmerston North and Wellington and based what we wanted to do around that," said Mr Jensen.

They had been building up stock for Christmas and now had 60 wholesalers supplying them, and their focus was on providing something a little different, he said.

That included tin toys and retro games, festive cushions that lit up, and a range of mugs with recipes printed on them, which served as cooking vessels as well.

Many items featured inspirational sayings, and there was a wide range of kiwiana, T-shirts, books, lamps, teatowels, cushion covers and prints.

"A lot of people are coming in and they are saying there's a lot of inspiration for Christmas presents and that they will be back - hearing that gives us a pat on the back that we have done the right thing," Mr Caro said.

Meanwhile, in their new premises on the corner of Heretaunga and King Sts, Alexanders menswear owner Darren Olsen said things were going well in the new, higher profile location they moved to in July, after 27 years at their former location.

Although experienced at preparing for Christmas, Mr Olsen said there was always a certain amount of "crystal ball gazing" when it came to selecting stock, and in the right quantity, for the festive and holiday season.

"We are in the throes of making sure we have Christmas stock levels right - the more popular gift items are the bags and wallets - young guys look for boxer shorts, and people buy hanky packs and shirts."

As an independent retailer, he said it was hard to compete with the likes of chain stores, but it was possible if superior customer service and unique products were on offer.

Although the shop would be open on Boxing Day, he said it was more for shoppers' convenience than offering cut-price sales.