Kerikeri couple secure iconic Hardy's health stores brand

The Hardy's health store in The Strand Arcade, Whangarei, one of two Northland stores owned by Vince and Diana Burgess of Kerikeri.

The placement of five Hardy's health stores and the head franchiser into receivership earlier this month has resulted in a business opportunity for Vince and Diana Burgess of Kerikeri.

The couple own the Kerikeri, Whangarei, Whangaparaoa and Glenfield Hardy's stores, which were not affected by the receivership, and have now purchased and secured the iconic Hardy's brand together with a store in Auckland and in Taupo.

They were also negotiating with the remaining independently owned stores with a view to establishing an ongoing commercial relationship.

Mr Burgess said the Hardy's brand had always been well regarded as a premium, national health products retailer which he feared would disappear as a result of the receivership situation, so the Burgesses decided to secure the brand.

They started Hardy's Kerikeri about 10 years ago, adding the other stores as opportunities arose.

The four stores in the current stable employ 23 people and with the addition of the Auckland (Northwest) and Taupo stores the total number of staff employed would be 35.

Mr Burgess said all current staff would be retained and "it was business as usual".
Companies Office records show Andrew Grenfell and Kare Johnstone were appointed receivers of Hardy's earlier this month.

Grenfell said the five company-run stores affected by the receivership included those in Auckland's Sylvia Park, St Lukes, and Northwest as well as two in Bethlehem and Taupo.

Hardy's was established in 1986 by Margaret and Murray Hardy and sold supplements and other health products.