Demolition was a golden opportunity for Noel Leeming Whangarei, says New Zealand CEO Nick Lowe.
He was in Whangarei last week to show the flag for management when the store reopened in a brand-new, much larger building.
The old building, just a few metres away, was already being demolished to create a
through-way to The Warehouse.
Also relocated are Briscoes, Postie Plus and Pet Essentials.
Mr Lowe, who has had three jobs at top levels in retail and two court cases over pay-outs since arriving in the country in 1998, was emphatic that Noel Leeming was delighted to be getting a bigger presence in the cut-throat world of appliance electronics and PCs.
Economic growth in Northland and strong sales at the old store meant that the chain was eager to go into a larger building.
"We did very well out of our old store and wanted to extend product ranges," he said.
He acknowledged that the electronic goods market was hugely competitive.
But Mr Lowe said Noel Leeming had a very strong point of difference in staff know-how.
Training was on-going and rigorous and everyone on the shop floor in the 46-store chain had to be knowledgeable about the product ranges.
The good career paths within the company were a drawcard for good staff.
"We are keen to develop people and promote internally," said Mr Lowe.
He said Noel Leeming (founded by Noel Leeming in Christchurch in 1973) had embarked on an extensive rebuilding and upgrading programme around the country.
The Whangarei store was twice the size of the old one.
It reflected the chain's latest thinking on design, layout and product range.
It included a PC clinic for computer repairs, upgrades, virus removal and software installations; much larger ranges of digital media products and flat panel televisions; and a sound room where customers can trial home theatre equipment.
The 20-strong team is expected to increase next year.
There are about 1100 employees nationwide.
Whangarei manager Matt Roscoe started his retail career with Pacific Retail Group in 1999, joining Bond and Bond Whangarei.
He managed the store's expansion project and built the operation into the nationwide chain's best-performing outlet within 18 months.
He joined Noel Leeming in May 2003.
