Time for a change to ‘fashion’

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 16

Time for a change to ‘fashion’

“My world is turning full circle,” said Peg Johnston from a flower-filled office on her last day as manager of TheShadesShoppingPrecinct. “I began life as a journalist, and then spent 23 years in fashion before coming to The Shades.”

She will be combining both interests in. her new job as Features Editor of “Fashion in New Zealand.” She has been associated with the magazine for the past six years. “The job is going to be very exciting. I think the magazine will be making a very positive impact on the publishing world.” Having just turned 60, she also thinks it will be very good for her to work with younger people. “They keep you on your toes. There is no way you can disappear into pink fluffy slippers.”

Another basket of flowers and assorted goodies. arrived from yet another wellwisher. The office was beginning to look like a florist’s shop. Peg Johnston was visibly touched. “It’s a sad day for me really. I’ve become quite attached to the tenants — over the years I like to think they have become friends.” “I have loved this job. “This has been my kingdom. When I began the job four and a half years ago, it was quite a small shopping centre. Now it has become a market force in the city.” So why is she leaving?

“You have got to get your timing right. I would hate anyone to say it’s time I was moving on.”

“Basically, I have done what I set out to do: put together a well-adminis-tered building with an enthusiastic and interesting tenant mix. “Retailing is going to be very hard, very competitive, over the next couple of ’ years. I felt it was time for a very strong marketing person to take on the job, and Wendy Gapes will do this very well.” One thing she will not miss is having to deal with undesirable members of the public. “I find as I get older I get increasingly impatient with people, like the group of youngsters I found spitting chewing gum from the mezzanine floor on to passers by below.” She thinks it is a sign of the times that four and a half years ago The Shades stayed open until 10.30 p.m. with people walking through on their way to restaurants or the cinema. “Now there is no question of it staying open later than a quarter to six,” she said. When she handed over the keys to Wendy Gapes, Peg Johnston did not sever all connection with her kingdom. The management company is retaining her services as a consultant, advising on the shopping precinct’s retail-tenant mix.