Whakatane tradies welcome new-look store

PlaceMakers invests in upgrade to better meet the needs of local industry

Mayor Tony Bonne cut the ribbon at the official opening of PlaceMakers Whakatane store, which was redesigned based on customer feedback.

The ceremony was held on 14 April, with more than 100 builders, suppliers and local leaders in attendance and included a blessing from one of the area’s kaumatua.

JV Doug Manu said the new-look store is part of a wider effort to provide better service for builders in the eastern Bay of Plenty.

“The vast majority of our customers are in the trade sector, so we engaged with them to see how we could better meet their needs,” said Doug. “Almost everything we’ve updated, from the store’s layout to our new systems, is based on their feedback.”

The 1,500m² covered area includes an expanded trade section with a new bathroom and kitchen display area. The service counter has also been enlarged and includes a display of in-demand products, so that customers don’t have to go searching for them.

A wall was also removed from the drive-through to make it more accessible for people picking up materials, giving them a larger area in which to manoeuvre when towing trailers.

A new senior account manager will help improve customer service and ensure stock levels are well maintained.

“The changes were really about making it as easy as possible for people to get what they need when they come into the store. It’s important to listen to your customers, so you know that you’re getting it right, which is what we’ve done,” said Doug.

A community investment

As well as improving the service offered to trade customers, he said the redesigned store also represents an investment in the community.

“We used local contractors for the work – so we gave back to the community in that way – but we’re also engaging more with our customers face-to-face and involving ourselves in local organisations. We wanted to let them know we’re here to stay.”