New discount store for Christchurch

Press, 15 January 1982, Page 4

New discount store for Christchurch

The first of what may be a new chain of discount department stores in New Zealand will open in Christchurch on February 8.

The Auckland-based firm of L. D. Nathan. Ltd, which also runs the Woolworths chain, has invested about $5 million in the store, which will be called Maxi Mart, in the Shirley shopping centre. The concept of the store is to sell goods at below their usual retail prices.

The store's senior manager, Mr I. K. Hunt, said that Maxi Mart was probably the biggest single-floor store in New Zealand, with about 5000 sq. m of floor area. The $5 million cost included about 500 car-parking spaces and stock for the store.

The 7m-high building looks more like a factory warehouse than a department store.

The concept of the store is modelled on the Australian K-Mart chain. Three of Maxi-Mart’s four managers spent two months in Australia gathering ideas for their “one-stop discount shop." The Mayor of Christchurch. Mr Hamish Hay, will officially open the store on February 4. Staff expect a hectic first day of business on February 8, with customers shopping for opening “specials.” “We expect they will be waiting at the doors or even overnight.” Mr Hunt said.

He said that Christchurch

had been chosen for the first Maxi Mart because of the city’s retailing reputation.

Maxi Mart staff are lining 1500 m of shelves with everything from buttons to $3OO silver cutlery sets. Much of the stock is similar to that sold bv Woolworths.

The store includes a 112seat cafeteria which will serve food ranging from steak to sandwiches.

Security precautions common in Australian stores have been adopted. Shoppers bringing parcels into the store will have them sealed with a tag at the doorway.