The Warehouse has come to Stratford - temporarily at least. A pop-up store opened on Broadway late last month, and will be open for about eight weeks, says Julia Morton, head of PR and Media for The Warehouse Group.
Julia says while some people in the community may have mixedfeelings about the pop-up store, the intention is to support the local economy, not weaken it.
"Our experience in small towns and centres where we have stores, is that we help strengthen a community's retail experience and provide more bargains and essentials, so shoppers don't need to leave town to get what they need.
"In fact, that happened in Waihi last summer when we opened a pop-up store for a few months, and we had some really great feedback from customers and comments of appreciation from local business people - they've even asked us to come back this summer!"
Since opening, the Stratford store has had a steady stream of shoppers through the doors.
"It isn't a case of me changing my shopping habits, but now I don't have to drive out of town to Hawera or New Plymouth to buy the things I want."
Sharon Edwards says she is pleased the store has opened. "I normally look at The Warehouse mailer and then shop online or go to one of the stores. Today I have stayed in Stratford instead and I have also gone to other shops in Stratford. It actually encourages me to stay shopping locally."
Julia says there aren't any plans to open a permanent store in the town. She adds Stratford was chosen because of its "thriving local economy and engaging community". The store is staffed by a mix of team members from the New Plymouth store and a crew of Stratford-based locals.
