Six new shops to be opened within three weeks

Press, 28 November 1979, Page 10

Six new shops to be opened within three weeks

The opening of at least six new shops within three weeks is an exciting prospect for both shoppers and the business community in Kaiapoi. Since the old building’s demolition after the 1976 fire, there has been considerable agitation for commercial redevelopment of the site from the businessmen’s association, some councillors and within the community: a frequently expressed opin-

ion being "the community is suffering through lack of a selection of shops in Kaiapoi.” The council debated at length, both publicly and "in committee” aboir alternative uses of the site, but decided at an early stage it would not become involved in a company for rebuilding purposes. Instead, the council has provided a supporting role for the developers, accord-

ing to the town clerk, (Mr R. N. McCabe). Changes to the district scheme in 1977 introduced new variations of commercial use in the town centre north of the river. This meant the Hansen site could be used for office development and a selection of small shops. Another change provided for supermarket type of development on an adjacent area.

With the successful completion of the redevelopment, Mr McCabe hopes it will achieve two things — bring some of the shopping public back to Kaiapoi and advance more new development in the town by indicating business confidence. The managing director of Industrial Holdings, Ltd, (Mr R. Smith) says the scheme had been quite a satisfactory arrangement with the council. He considered that Kaiapoi badly needed an improvement of its services. On behalf of the businessmen’s association, the president (Mr D. Kimber) said he was pleased to see the shops finally a reality and if they were the forerunner of further development in the town, the business community would welcome such moves. Mr N. Keys has been closely interested in redevelopment proposals since they were first mooted. After a wide experience of pharmacy in Christchurch, he opened his own premises in Williams Street, opposite the Hansen Block, in 1962. His firm has endeavoured to provide service and efficiency during the past 17 years and finds it is

now serving the second generation of many families. "Since the Hansen fire that effectively reduced the commercial area on the north side of the town, we have been particularly conscious of the support and loyalty displayed by Kaiapoi residents. We certainly would not have anticipated expanding into new premises if this support had not been forthcoming during the last four difficult years,” Mr Keys said. He was one of the first two businesses to open in the new block last week. With an increased area and a spacious design, working conditions are improved and will lead to greater efficiency. The range and display of stock will be improved, and expanded, especially watches and jewellery and electrical appliances. His staff comprises Anna Giles, qualified Revlon, Max Factor and Wella hair care consultant, who is now completing a pharmacy technician’s course. Having the same consultant qualifications. Shelly Petrie can also advise on beauty problems. Neville McDonald has proved reliable and efficient undertaking messages. The pharmacy’s

telephone number for the delivery service, 8077, has not been altered. With the shop longest in business north of the river, Mr Keys is looking toward to development in the new shopping block, which he would like to see become a united business entity. However, he realises this would depend on the views of the other occupants. Mrs Phyllis Cherry, proprietor of a new family firm, Cherry’s Book and

Gift Centre, Ltd, is well known in the district for her St John Ambulance work.

For over three years, she had the Ohoka Road dairy and has since assisted in supermarkets. Her book shop, which opened last week, will be concentrating on stock that will “keep within the family budget,” and carry extensive lines of commercial stationery. There is some resemblance to a phoenix for the shop, as one of a similar type operated in the old building for more than 75 years. Mrs Cherry has been most appreciative of the advice and guidance of one of those former proprietors, Mr T. Ayers. She will be assisted in the shop by Mrs Joan Steele and when need arises, by members of her own family. Mrs Cherry plans to expecially promote New Zealand authors and souvenirs and will be offering specials as early Christmas gift suggestions. If a particular item is not in stock, it is intended to have an ordering service for same day delivery if the inquiry is made early in the morning. Poultry: A new service to Kaiapoi will be the North Canterbury Table Poultry, Ltd, which has opened in premises facing Charles Street. The proprietor is Mr R. Breeze, who has been associated with poultry processing for thirty years. The new shop will replace a retail outlet he operated for considerable numbers of North Canterbury and Christchurch customers at Loburn. As well as poultry, the temperature controlled display freezer cabinets will be stocked with ducks and turkeys, all pre-packed

with piece lots or on trays. A separate tall standing cabinet displays a wide range of frozen foods, including vegetables and bulk ice-cream. As well as the normal business hours and late night on Thursdays, the shop will be open on Saturday mornings. For women: A shop catering for women’s fashions and knitting wools will open in the block in early December, under the name of The Wool Shop.

It will be a branch similar to other shops of the name operating in Christchurch and Rangiora. Mr K. Henderson, of Christchurch, says the emphasis will be on quality knitwear and good quality offered at a reasonable price. Meat: Negotiations are underway for the use of the seventh, and remaining shop in the block by a company dealing in a meat tavern concept of retailing.