The new Smiths City store has been painted and is having the interior furnished and finalised before its opening later this month. PHOTO/ARTHUR HAWKES
ARTHUR HAWKES
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Against the backdrop of covid-19, several people have been employed at the new Smiths City store, opening in the former premises of The Warehouse Stationery.
Selina Griggs, 48, is the new store manager.
She has a long history in retail, having worked with The Warehouse Group for several years.
The Masterton resident said she was excited for the new store, which would hopefully open its doors by Labour Weekend and was having the interior furnished and finalised.
“We’re really happy with the staff we’ve got, it’s been quite exciting actually,” Griggs said.
“There’s so much talent around locally – it’s been really good.
“We’ve taken on salespeople, admin, a foreman, people for deliveries. It’s going to keep us busy.”
The opening has been welcomed by several business groups, particularly as many were wary that covid-19 would reduce the number of expansions and store openings in provincial New Zealand.
Speaking to the Times-Age last month, Smiths City CEO Tony Allison said that regional New Zealand, particularly growing areas such as Masterton, were becoming very viable from a business perspective.
“We are now returning to our roots in regional New Zealand. We also want to be a central and contributing member of the communities we serve.”
