NEW ZEALAND’S OWN STORE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29130, 16 February 1960, Page 13

NEW ZEALAND’S OWN STORE

Owned and run by New Zealanders for New Zealanders

Fifty years ago, McKenzies opened their first store. Today, there are forty-five of the familiar red McKenzies stores throughout the Dominion. From that first small shop in Princes Street, Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s largest businesses has grown.

There’s a good reason for this rapid yet solid growth. Back in 1910 when Sir John, then Mr. J. R. McKenzie, opened his store in Dunedin, he decided to specialise in goods of high quality at prices lower than those of his competitors. The slogan ‘Quality for less’ had not then been thought of, but it was the guiding principle of the firm.

Lower Living Costs This policy makes a definite contribution to reduced living costs. McKenzies believe that the manufacturer and the retailer are entitled to a reasonable profit, but that the customer should be the one who counts most.

Easier Shopping Besides continually experimenting with new ranges of goods, McKenzies experiment with the shops they run. Store layout, counter display, the pricing and ticketing of the goods for sale are constantly under review, with a view to making shopping easier for their customers. McKenzies were first in N.Z. to introduce modern attractive coffee bars in their type of store.

Public Support McKenzies have been able to reach the important position they now hold in the trading community through loyal public support over the years.