Whanganui Spark and Vodafone stores close

The Spark and Vodafone stores in Victoria Ave have closed, with both companies saying the closure is temporary.

Whanganui Spark and Vodafone customers have no local service centre with both companies closing their Victoria Avenue stores, citing earthquake safety concerns.

Customers arriving at the stores on Monday faced closed doors and signs saying the business was temporarily closed.

Spark senior communications partner Ellie Cross says Spark is "absolutely committed" to retaining a shop in Whanganui, either by returning to the current premises at 65 Victoria Ave when remedial work is complete or by opening at a new location.

"In the meantime, staff are being redeployed where possible or being assigned work that can be completed remotely," Ms Cross said.

The telecommunications company was looking at whether it could open temporary premises in Whanganui "preferably in the next few weeks".

Ms Cross says the closure was prompted by Spark's nationwide audit of health and safety requirements at its retail premises. The company's standard for earthquake resilience is more stringent than government building requirements and the Whanganui store has been closed "by choice rather than by necessity".

"We apologise for any inconvenience that customers experience from the store closure but we're sure our customers will appreciate that the safety of our staff and customers is paramount," Ms Cross said.

Vodafone head of retail Ben Green said earthquake issues were also the reason for the closure of its store at 61 Victoria Ave.

"As Vodafone have now been made aware of further structural limitations to the Whanganui Vodafone store, we have decided to cease trading from our current location whilst working with the landlord to strengthen the premises," Mr Green said.

"We have found a temporary location and hope to reopen as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience to our customers."

Spark customers can visit www.spark.co.nz/contact us for details of how to contact the company by chat, on the phone, via social media channels or by visiting another store. The closest stores to Whanganui are in Palmerston North and Hawera.

Vodafone customers can get help online or through Vodafone customer service on 0800 800 021. The nearest physical store is in Palmerston North.