New Lynn, new look!

PlaceMakers New Lynn celebrated its new store format by putting on a special customer event in November, featuring a BBQ, free pies and plenty of prizes! 

PlaceMakers New Lynn undertook a store transformation in 2023 to provide customers with a fresh look and fresh approach, with particular focus on its safety and power tool departments.

“We decided to refresh our ranges in the New Lynn store – not just as a symbol of change, but as a means to adapt and thrive in an ever-transforming building supplies market,” says PlaceMakers Head of Format Derek Cotton.

To herald the changes, builders and suppliers were welcomed to an opening event extravaganza.

Pies and prizes

Highlights included competitions such as Sledgehammer Mini Golf, run by The Rock Roadies, for the chance to win a $500 Prezzy Card; and a racing simulator put on by Landmark Homes, with the prize of a race car hot lap motivating those who gave it a go.

“There was also the chance to win a trip to the 2024 Melbourne Cup for two, and other prizes such as an inflatable paddleboard,” says PlaceMakers West Auckland Hub Operations Manager Morgan Caine.

Aside from the prizes on offer, Morgan says several key suppliers organised special deals for the day. To ensure guests were well fed, Jesters provided 500 free pies, while the New Lynn team ran a “good old-fashioned Kiwi BBQ” for the duration of the event.

“There were heaps of good vibes; a lot of people came down and it was a great day overall,” Morgan adds.

The main event

One of the main reasons for the event was to get builders and suppliers inside the revamped store to see the new format for themselves – and Morgan says the feedback was
overwhelmingly positive.

“A lot of our builders are often too busy to spend time in the store, so this was a great way to get them in and have some face-to-face time with them,” says Morgan. “It was also an excellent way to find out how we can serve them better.

“Overall, it’s an easier space to navigate. There are heaps of product choices and we now have a café, where builders can hold meetings and catch up with each other. They were pretty impressed with what we’ve done to the place.”

Morgan says the staff are also invigorated and excited by the investment in the store. He adds they are particularly proud of the increased range of women’s workwear and apparel and the partnership PlaceMakers has struck with Hilti to offer tools for hire.

“We want to offer our builders the best trade solutions possible. Hilti for Hire helps us do that by increasing the range of tools we can offer – and it turns New Lynn into a ‘one-stop shop’ for our customers.”

Now that the word is out, the New Lynn team is looking forward to welcoming more customers through its doors.

“I was proud to see how the event was set up and run. It really did justice to the new offering. It’s an exciting time for the New Lynn store and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”