Masterton set for Harvey Norman

Masterton is poised to get yet another big business in the town with the expected arrival of Harvey Norman.
Although executives of the giant retailer have not confirmed the business is to expand into Masterton, it is known the company is seeking to set up shop in the Bannister/Dixon Sts part of town, probably in shared, renovated premises with the existing Warehouse Stationery.
Warehouse Stationery manager Stephen O'Laughlin confirmed the store was downsizing to half its original size, leaving space for another retailer.
"It's always been too big, so it's just been about running the business more efficiently," he said.
He said construction would be "ongoing for the next few weeks" and should be "done and dusted" by April.
Harvey Norman specialises in household goods such as electronics, furniture and appliances and a Masterton store would add another outlet to the 190 stores that already trade throughout New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia and Ireland.
The business was started by Gerry Harvey and Ian Norman in Australia about 50 years ago.
The Masterton District Council has had discussions over the site in closed meetings and it is expected the future of the site and the businesses interested in setting up there will be revealed at an open meeting.
Planner Sue Southey would not comment when asked if Harvey Norman had declared an interest in the area and, despite several approaches to Harvey Norman in Auckland, none of the retail chain's executive staff was available to confirm Masterton plans.
Nearly five years ago, Harvey Norman declared its intention of coming to Wairarapa and, at that time, had expected to be in Masterton within about a year, occupying a premise of up to 4000sq m.
A company executive said Harvey Norman had been eyeing Masterton for years and would be bringing a "full format" franchise to town.
The arrival of Harvey Norman would mean that within the past few years many national chains and larger retailers have set up in the town.
These include The Warehouse and Briscoes Homeware.