Downloadable Articles
If you would like an article which is not listed here, please email Trudy Cliff on tcliff@retail.org.nz
December 2011
Ho! Ho! Lo!
LED innovator Teddy Lo covers Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour waterfront with a facade-spanning, illluminated, holiday greeting. Read the article 'Ho! Ho! Lo!'
Re: START
The ambitious, audacious, awesome shipping container precinct in Christchurch's Cashel Mall is all of that - and much more. Read the article 'Re START'
On-line retail
What is the current status? Where is the tipping point? John Albertson, CEO of the New Zealand Retailers Association shares some statistics. Read the article 'On-line retail'
November 2011
Christchurch 2011 - Visions for the future
A year after the September '10 earthquake, NZRetail asked leading Christchurch business people to describe their vision for their city's future - and tell us what is needed to achieve it. Read the article 'Christchurch 2011 - Visions for the future'
Talking Design
The Design Foundry is a retail destination set up to inspire customers to develop their individual interior design ideas. Founder and managing director Mark Crouch and his team are there to make their customers' ideas work. Read the article 'Talking Design'
Politics and the retail sector - what's on offer?
As everyone will be aware, now that the Rugby World Cup is behind us, the next major event is the general election. On Saturday 26 November, all New Zealanders will have the chance to have their say with regard to who holds the political power for the next three years. Read the article 'Politics and the retail sector - whats on offer'
October 2011
Christchurch 2011 - Rebuilding a city
A year after the September '10 earthquake, NZRetail revisited Christchurch and met with retailers large and small and spoke to business lobby groups, asking three big questions: What is the situation one year on from the first quake? What is your vision for the rebuilt Christchurch 2.0? And what will it take to achieve the vision, starting from here? Read the article 'Christchurch 2011 - Rebuilding a city
Artful Shop
The new Denver Art Museum Shop is integrated into a spectacular slant-wall space to achieve a profitable level of speciality merchandising. Read the article 'Artful Shop'
Uncloaking New Zealand's clothing shopaholics
Increasing media fragmentation is an ever-present challenge for marketers and advertisers alike. Choice plagues this demanding environment and there is no room for inaccuracy when it comes to optimising allocation of advertising budgets; as the need for precision increases, the margin for error decreases. Read the article 'Uncloaking New Zealand's clothing shopaholics'
Who's watching you?
Increasingly, retailers see the need to have a web presence in addition to a bricks-and-mortar store. Some retailers only have a web presence. Most, if not all, businesses that have a presence on the web use html or 'flash cookies'. Read the article 'Who's watching you'
September 2011
Stand out
Orders from retail clients have lessened over the past few years but, rather than laying low and weathering the storm, signage experts have embraced the challenge and driven their industry ahead. Now they're ready to wow their customers with exciting new products. Read the article 'Stand out'
Shopper marketing
Recent retail research of in-store shoppers undertaken in New Zealand has revealed that many in the retail sector have not taken full advantage of how to run consumers into customers. Read the article 'Shopper marketing'
Winning ways
Not long ago, I was the mystery judge of nine retail finalists entered into the Feilding Excellence in Business Awards 2011 and was on the lookout for excellent customer service. Congratulations to Manawatu Grain Seed and Saddlery, winners of both the Supreme Award and Best Rural Business. Read the 'Winning ways'
What are the odds ...?
Following an extremely mild autumn, many retailers were itching for a cold season to help correct margins, but it hasn't worked out to be a perfect picture at all. Read the article 'What are the odds...?'
August 2011
4Cs of lighting at Lightfair
At Lightfair International 2011, the focus was on codes, controls, consistency in LED performance and mega-corporate entries into the lighting arena. Read the article '4Cs of lighting at Lightfair'
Right first time
Hiring the wrong person can end up costing you a lot of time and money, not to mention the damage it can do to your business. Choosing the right person, however, is no longer simply a matter of employing the candidate with the right qualifications and the most experience. Read the article 'Right first time'
Success comes from being different
There's a reason why consumers choose to shop at a particular store and it's not necessarily the cheapest or the nearest. Martin Butler addressed his audience of retailers at the New Zealand Retailers Association (NZRA) National Conference on the art of being chosen. Read the article 'Success comes from being different'
July 2011
Take a good look
With the influx of visitors expected for the Rugby World Cup, there has never been a better time to take a good hard look at what you offer your customers - and it's not just the in-store service that needs to come under scrutiny. Read the article 'Take a good look'
Making a great impression
New Zealand's front-line organisations are being given the chance to up-skill for Rugby World Cup 2011 and deliver an exceptional welcome to our international guests, with the offer of a free on-line training programme. Read the article 'Making a great impression
Flyers and catalogues
Printed materials are perhaps the most commonly-used weapons in the retail marketing arsenal. Are yours working for you? Read the article ' Flyers and catalogues
June 2011
Clean zones
Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) kicks off on 9 September and with economists predicting it will generate over $540 million in additional gross domestic product, businesses throughout New Zealand stand to benefit. Read the article 'Clean zones'
Sponsorship
Chances are that you're being regularly approached to dup into your pockets to sponsor some worthy cause or local event - but how do you decide which to support? Read the article 'Sponsorship'
Times are still challenging
A lingering recession, natural disasters, changing consumer behaviour patterns; New Zealand retailers are still facing some mejor challenges. However, the spirit of the New Zealand Retailers Association (NZRA) 2011 National Conference on 6 April, in Auckland, was positive. Read the article 'Times are still challenging'
May 2011
On-line
New Zealand on-line advertising revenues have been steadily growing over the last decade, and the interactive medium rose to $257 million in ad expenditure in 2010, leapfrogging both radio and magazines to become New Zealand's third most popular medium last year (behind television and newspapers). Read the article 'On-line'.
Shipshape
An estimated 85,000 overseas visitors are expected in New Zealand for the September/October Rugby World Cup 2011. They'll be looking for authentic Kiwi action, on and off the rugby field, so it's important that you have strategies in place to make any shopping excursions memorable for all the right reasons. Read the article 'Shipshape'.
Selling Smarter
On-line and mobile shopping has changed retailing dramatically over the past decade. Consumers have enthusiastically taken to the internet, social media and mobile technology to help in their buying decisions - and now have high expectations of what's available, at what price, and how quickly. Read the article 'Selling smarter'.
April 2011
Sales culture
The days when sales and customer interaction were the sole concern of those on the shop floor or travelling reps have well and truly gone. It's now well-established that all employees in a business or organisation must eat and breathe sales. That includes everyone: from the CEO, to the finance team, to the receptionist. Read the article 'Retail training'.
March 2011
Moving forward
One of the most common problems many small business owners face is that they can feel isolated and as if they have no one to confide in or bounce ideas off. This is down to the fact that a large proportion of small business owners operate their company single-handedly or with minimal staff. Read the article 'Retail support'.
Advertising on radio
Should you advertise on the radio? And, if so, who, where and when? Read the article 'Marketing matters'.
February 2011
It's all about me
Innovations in retail design and strategy are paving the way for the future of how we sell everything - from stamps to high-tech communications - and it's all about the customer. Read the article 'It's all about me'.
An eye on the future
The Sustainable Retailing category for Auckland's TOP SHOP® Retail Excellence Awards was won late last year by Freemans Bay's ecostore. Sustainable retailing is a new category in these awards and the competition for it was lively - with more than 30 local retailers vying for the award. Read the article 'An eye on the future'.
December 2010
The art of being chosen
What makes some retailers really successful while others fail? What if you could get face-to-face with some of the world's biggest retail names to find out the secrets of retail success? Respected retailer/marketer Martin Butler did exactly that and reveals all in his latest book, The art of being chosen. Read the article on 'The art of being chosen', which also includes a special reader offer on the book.
Excellence in retail
The New Zealand Retailers Association TOP SHOP® Retail Excellence Awards are accolades that every retailer would want. Established by the New Zealand Retailers Association in 1988, the TOP SHOP® Awards provide recognition for excellence in retail. The awards challenge retailers to continuously look for ways to raise the bar in retail standards, professionalism and customer service. Read the 'Excellence in Retail' article
November 2010
You gotta be there - Major Events Management Act 2007
The Major Events Management Act 2007 (MEMA) contains special protections for the Rugby World Cup 2011 ('RWC 2011'), to prevent unauthorised commercial exploitation of the Tournament and to ensure its smooth running. This piece of legislation has a number of consequences for retailers, particularly for those wishing to run advertising or promotional materials which reference RWC 2011. Read the article on the Rugby World Cup (pdf)
A Healthy Kiss
Snog Pure Frozen Yogurt is a London-based purveyor of its own healthy frozen yogurt. The founders adopted the current vernacular 'snog' (i.e. 'kiss') to brand their yummy concoctions, sold in traffic-generating environments. Read 'A healthy Kiss' (pdf)
October 2010
GST - Post 1 October 2010
With the GST changeover date of 1 October 2010 behind us - it is important to keep the focus on key issues for retailers resulting from this GST rate change. View article (pdf)
RWC 2011
Less than a year to go before the kick-off of the Rugby World Cup so NZRetail put some questions to Rugby New Zealand to assist retailers in their planning for this huge event. View article (pdf)
September 2010
Show off
The hopes that the recession may have receded since the last time we reported on fixtures and fittings has not come to fruition. Many retailers have had to throw in the towel - and not for lack of trying. But there are still opportunities to find simpler and better ways to display your wares. View article (pdf)
Across the globe
From mall jewellery stores to department store jewellery displays and standalone jewellery and watches giants, merchandising and display is paramount for jewellers. NZRetail selected a few international examples of jewellery stores that could inspire any retailer. View article (pdf)
August 2010
What tune are you playing?
Music is great for creating ambience for retail businesses - whether played in-store or on your phone messages. But some businesses do not realise that music is intellectual property and subject to copyright. View article (pdf)
A brand is not a logo
Many people in today's increasingly competitive market-place are confused as to what a brand is. What is a brand? What is a logo? Some people think that the words logo and brand are interchangeable. Clients talk about updating or creating a new logo for their business or product when, in fact, what they actually need is a brand appraisal. View article (pdf)
July 2010
Major Events Management Act
The Rugby World Cup is big business. It relies on deals with official sponsors, including suppliers, licensees, broadcasters and travel and hospitality agents. The value of these deals is dependent on giving sponsors exclusive rights - and being able to protect those rights. View article (pdf)
Calculating the discount impact
Today, discounting is the norm rather than the exception. But when you discount, you need to generate additional sales to make up for the cash you forgo in the discount. View article (pdf)
May 2010
Live, Work and Play
Combining traditional main-street retailing with malls and bulk retailing is a challenge across New Zealand. Some centres work hard to combine all formats into a single CBD. Tauranga doesn't have that option. View article (pdf)
Renovation - Not a Dirty Word
Retail designer Peter-Tolin Baker tells how to take the fear and stress out of a store makeover with this insider's 10-step guide to effective store renovation. View article (pdf)
April 2010
Measuring Up April 2010
'You can't manage it if you can't measure it', says the old rule of thumb. Retailers are finding ways to measure their customers, their competitors and even predict their future. View article (pdf)
On top in tough times
In recessionary times many retailers face a highly competitive promotional environment: gross margin put under pressure, stress on excess inventory levels and a need to protect working capital whilst reducing business costs and losses and protecting the customer base. View article (pdf)
March 2010
Exit Management
Is your credit card carrying your business? Are you delaying IRD payments? These are two common signs that a business is struggling and now is the time to find a solution. View article (pdf)
Struth Todd
Third-generation retailer Todd Male has many stories about running. Route 66 in Newmarket, Auckland, and some of them are true. Martin Craig talks to Todd and discovers the Male family tradition of larrikin marketing is still strong. View article (pdf)
NRF report
Retailers at the 99th National Retail Federation conference heard about what went wrong in 2008, the signs of recovery in 2009 and the pace and format of the predicted 2010 upswing. View article (pdf)
February 2010
Retail Realty
Empty shops are ugly. For landlords, they represent lost income; for tenants it may be business failure and for shoppers it’s simply not a good look. Establishing strong relationships with landlords is a good way for retailers to avoid this situation. View article (pdf)
Focus on Newmarket
Newmarket is the self-declared ‘fashion capital’ and is set to benefit from $500m of infrastructure spending. But will cheap apartments, office blocks and greedy landlords ruin the look? View article (pdf)
December 2009
Retail Casestudy - Paper Plus
While other book and stationery retail chains are moving their headquarters offshore, Paper Plus, the only nationwide 100 per cent New Zealand-owned and operated bookstore and stationery retailer, is investing almost $22 million in its local brand. The makeover involves the refitting of the 106 Paper Plus stores over the next two years and other innovations. View article (pdf)
Focus on hastings
Hastings is working hard to attract retail businesses, and using strict planning rules to integrate them into the existing structure. But not everyone likes being told where to go. View article (pdf)
November 2009
Supply Chain Collaboration
In May this year, a Reverse Logistics Conference was addressed by Haymon Keeler, the ECN Group’s business development manager on supply chain collaboration. NZRetail recently caught up with Keeler to ask a few questions related to his presentation.
Focus on books
According to booksellers, the recession story has a happy ending. ‘Buoyant booksellers stare down recession’ was the headline that closed the annual Booksellers NZ conference this year. But the nasty old statistics tell another story.
October 2009
NZRA conference
Value retailing, innovations, visions and the increasing threat of the digital world were topics of this year’s annual conference of the New Zealand Retailers Association held at Sky City in Auckland last month.
Retail Focus Timaru
With 28,000 people, Timaru is the size of a large city suburb. But, while large city suburbs are facing tight retail conditions, Timaru retailers are building bigger stores. Martin Craig visits the maritime hub of South Canterbury.
Retail celebrations - Farmers Trading Group
New Zealand icon Farmers reached a milestone this year. The department store celebrates its 100th birthday with the launch of three new fashion labels.
September 2009
NZRA Hall of Fame
Celebrating highly significant contributions to the New Zealand retail sector.
Fixtures and fittings trends
Value for money will continue to be the watchword for retailers when they look to fixtures and fittings in the coming months.
Playing fair
It’s only in your best interests to be on top of your obligations under the Fair Trading Act. The effect of breaching the Act could have both a financial and an emotional impact on your company.
August 2009
Focus on Rotorua
Excellent location with good structure needs TLC! This desirable historic property has potential PLUS! Available immediately!
Security - Fighting Back
Shoplifting costs New Zealand’s retailers $760 million annually. It is not only a problem for the success and survival of both small and large businesses, but a problem for the economy as a whole.
July 2009
RED Awards - Retail Design Awards
The Red Awards (formerly known as the Retail Design Awards) were announced at a sparkling function in 27 June at Pontoon in Auckland. Be inspired by New Zealand’ Retail talent.
Case Study - Iconic Treasure
Seventy-eight thousand SKUs, the original World’s Fastest Indian, a listing in Lonely Planet and the longest tool wall in the southern hemisphere, welcome to E. Hayes & Sons, Hammer Hardware, Invercargill.
Retail Services - Undercover Exposure
Mystery Shopping might sound a simple enough exercise but it's a major tool for retailers and well beyond a perceived spying mission - is you apply it properly.
Last Word - Journey of Inspiration
If you are innovative in your marketing and external promotions, consumers may just journey to your business. Your next challenge is that you have thirty seconds to inspire them. Yes, that’s right, thirty seconds!
June 2009
Retail Focus - Focus on Invercargill
There’s no doubt about it – those Southlanders are a wee bit behind the times. Martin Craig visits the Province the recession forgot.
Case Study - Very Berry Great
An award-winning business, a Bay of Plenty berry farm and café, sustains a wonderful life-style for a young couple – and is only open to the public for around four months of the year.
May 2009
Pharmacy sector - Pharmacy Trends
The local pharmacy is the last bastion of independent retailing. five years after a partial deregulation, the sector has avoided predictions or corporate takeovers and the local chemist continues to thrive.
Consumer trends - Let's do it for the guys
We all know that women just love to shop; they think about shopping as often as men think about that other 'S' word. But the word is that shopping is catching on with men and they're heading to the malls for their own retail therapy.
Staff training - Help Yourself - NOW!
Every problem is an opportunity - that's the message from leading retailing trainers regarding the economic downturn.
April 2009
Finlayson files - What's your focus
Brian Finlayson explains why putting the customer first is always crucial, no matter what other tasks demand your attention.
Retail focus
In our first of a new series of regional reports we investigate New Plymouth. With a population of 45,000, it is typical of the regional centres around New Zealand
Retail signage
There's an old saying that goes 'a business with no sign is a sign of no business' - in today's tough retail market, it's truer than ever.
March 2009
Articles not available on website. If there is an article from March’s issue of NZRetail you are interested in please email rearnshaw@retail.org.nz.
February 2009
Please, Sir may I please pay less.pdf
This economic climate is no time to be battling the landlord. The way forward is to forget the past and focus on the future. Says John Albertson.
Furniture and flooring sector.pdf
Some purchases are easier to put off than others. When Belts tighten, the kids get fed and the couch gets shabby. But furniture and flooring retailers include some of the oldest businesses in the country. So how do they survive a downturn.
Flavour haven.pdf
A fun-filled fit-out of Dylan's Candy bar in New York adds space for merchandising and services to the world's largest candy store.
December 2008
Walking Tall.pdf
A couple of decades ago, it wasn't considered cool to emulate the wild, wild West and country music had fallen off the radar. So it's not surprising the Loan Star restaurant franchise, defying all the odds, has become a great success.
Many Channels - One truth.pdf
Consumers are increasingly at home in a multichannel world, putting pressure on retailers to deliver and on-line experience that's consistent with what's in-store. Delivering on that expectation doesn't have to be daunting.
Fashion with Fun.pdf
The transforming of an old meatpacking building into the new Moschino New York flagship store writes a new chapter in the history of contemporary adaptive reuse.
November 2008
Bicycle trade show.pdf
Business strength, trade visitors with decision-making power, top quality services, and lots of bike related entertainment were the hallmarks of IFMA cologne 2008.
Top shop.pdf
The New Zealand Retailers Top Shop® Retail Ezxcellence Awards is the highlight of the year for retailers. Find out the winners in your region.
October 2008
Hardware sector.pdf
The News is full of talk of slow-downs, building companies collapses, and a reduction in construction. So why is the hardware sector talking expansion and growth?
Retail design.pdf
Interactive mirrors, 3D scanners and holographic sales assistants may sound like they belong in a sci-fi movie, but they'll likely soon be a part of your shopping sprees.
Architectural awards.pdf
In a vintage Vancourver building, Obakki's sophisticated design combines art and function.
Political policies.pdf
The New Zealand Retailers Association went out to all the main political parties with four specific questions.
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