Get loaded at Lodestar!

Open for just under a month, the new PlaceMakers Kapiti store on Lodestar Road is already delivering noticeable benefits for its customers

Store manager Greg Kusabs says the new store was designed specifically to make life easier for trade customers, who account for 90% of business.

“The new layout is a lot more trade-friendly. The initial comments from builders have been fantastic,” says Greg.

“We’ve also increased our core stock, which gives greater choice and availability. The new drive-thru works better too – people aren’t getting held up anymore.”

The new building has a 2,835m² footprint, with signage making it easier to find products on the move. This is complemented by a 4,170m² timber yard featuring new racking systems.

“The area itself is a similar size to the old location on Kapiti Road, but we’re able to store a lot more because of the new racking – it’s actually quite impressive,” says Greg.

The new design also means most of the kiln-dried timber can be kept under cover.

Another feature is the new bathroom and kitchen displays, which Greg says “are the best on the coast”.

“One of our larger customers came through and said he’s excited to be able to send his clients down to us to see what we have to offer. He was also impressed with the layout and said he can see how it will speed things up.”

Wise heads

The new store is perfectly complemented by Greg and his staff, some of whom have spent 30 years working at the branch.

“We have very knowledgeable, friendly staff and they’re only too happy to pass that on; I get a lot of feedback from customers about that and about how approachable they are,” he says. “I also try to lead from the front. I’ve got an open-door policy, so staff and customers are always welcome to pop their heads in and ask for advice. I also enjoy getting out on the shop floor to help people out.”

“We focus on training and everyone is able to take courses, whether it’s in their area of expertise or not. I’d say on average we probably do between 30 to 40 training hours each month.”

Greg says that the official opening was “fantastic”.

“Everyone put in a lot of work to make this happen and it was great for us all to be able to let our hair down at the Gala opening!” he says. “We also ran some competitions and giveaways over Queen’s Birthday Weekend, along with a month-long special on certain products.”