New generation takes over Ginza

031014PBGinza THE HOUSE OF HUIJS: With Peter (left) concentrating on other business, Ginza is left for Brent (right) to manage. PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS

Mention the name Ginza Bargains in Wanganui and you'll never see a blank face. The big building in Maria Pl extension is famous for its huge range of everything in the way of furniture, whiteware and home essentials, some new, lots second hand.
Started by Willy and Sue Huijs (pronounced like 'host', but without the 't') 25 years ago, the business retained the family name when it was sold to Willy's brother Peter and his wife Barbara. Peter and Barbara have sold it on again, but the distinctive Dutch name continues.
Brent and Hayley Huijs are the new owners of Ginza Bargains, leaving Peter and Barbara free to concentrate on the Wanganui Bedroom Specialists, Furniture Zone Wanganui, and a store in Palmerston North.
"I've always wanted to do this and always thought I would," says Brent, who just wasn't sure if Peter would ever sell. He has and everyone is happy.
Brent has been involved with the store since he was 12 but life took him in another direction.
After working in engineering he was employed by Enzed Wanganui in hydraulics, but between the two he has worked for Peter in Wanganui and Palmerston North. The time just seemed right to ask about taking over.
"Over the past 10 years I've expanded and it was starting to be a heavy load," says Peter.
"Then Brent popped out of the woodwork and asked if I'd consider passing it on.
"It was due to have someone more energetic to take the store to the next level. I didn't think there'd be many able to do the job, but Brent, knowing the system and being involved, being in the family, just gelled.
"He's already made a remarkable difference to the whole atmosphere of the shop. Being hands on he's able to affect the general ambience of the store."
Brent says he's worked on refreshing the look of Ginza and putting his own personality on the place.
"And the customer service side of things, making sure everyone's being seen and talked to."
With Brent in the store, Hayley has a job in radiography but helps out behind the scenes and with the paperwork. Only married since February, Brent and Hayley have a big project to tackle together.
"I'll be looking at ways to get the name out there," says Brent.
Retro furniture is something he'd like to see more of in the shop but the essentials will always be important.
"Basically, we've got everything you need to set up a house. It's a one-stop shop."
From big furniture to cutlery, it's all there. There's enough of a range to appeal to the entire Wanganui demographic.
"Everybody comes in here, sooner or later," says Brent.
Most of the staff have been with the shop for a long time, reinforcing the values of a family-owned business.
"I've got plenty to go forward with," says Peter.
"I'll be working on the variety of the furniture stores and we feel it's given us the opportunity to have a slightly different variety. 'We've got more control over what we choose, rather than what comes through the door. We want to keep expanding on our range of qualities, from budget through to finer styles of furniture. You've got to push yourself, but one thing I've learned is not to overdo it."
Something you'll find in Ginza Bargains and Furniture Zone are racecar beds, children's furniture for adventurous kids. These evidently appeal to the Huijs family, all lovers of motorsport, especially sprint cars and three quarter midgets.