Familiar face takes on fashion store

LOOKING AHEAD: Deb and Tony Guthrie are the new owners of Whanganui fashion store Just Looking.

DEB and Tony Guthrie know how important a solid business foundation is and that's why they've bought Just Looking women's fashion store in Whanganui.

They have bought the Victoria Ave business off founders Lynne and Rob Vinsen. The Vinsens will retain a similar store in Palmerston North although that too is on the market.

Mrs Guthrie said she was "really excited" about taking over the business.

She had been working in the store for more than seven years as assistant manager and latterly as manager before the opportunity to buy the business arose.

She said they thought about the option "long and hard" before committing.

"We had a lot of customers coming and saying to me why didn't I buy the business. In the end that helped sway us," she said.

Mrs Guthrie had accompanied Ms Vinsen on buying missions and said she was well grounded in the important part of the business.

"It'll be a big transition but a smooth one," she said.

"Lynne's really taken me under her wing, teaching me the finer points of owning a fashion store and going away with her on those buying trips has been a huge help," she said.

Mr Guthrie said they were very fortunate to have business mentors like the Vinsens to give them guidance.

"Lynne and Rob have owned the store for 45 years which in itself is a major feat. Lynne will also be helping Deb with things like shop layout and Rob's going to help me with the back end of the business and marketing," he said.

Mrs Guthrie said Just Looking would remain a high end fashion store but also had mid-range labels and labels aimed specifically at the younger buyers.

"We want to get into some bigger sizes as well. We already have some but we'll look to get more lines in stock," she said.

She said her passion for people and fashion made the new venture perfect for her.

"I get a huge amount of satisfaction seeing customers walk out the door feeling good and looking good."

She will be helped in the store by Sonya Dunlop who recently came on board having owned In-bloom for 12 years while part-timers Jan Lee and Tara Rountree complete the team.

Mr Guthrie has other business interests in Whanganui, holding the franchises for both Budget and Avis rental cars. He said while they would be his main focus he would spend at least one day a week in the fashion store.

The Guthries said the help and advice they had received from their accountants Kerry and Gregor Vallely and lawyer David Robertson had been invaluable.