Gift Spring Gift Fair magazine, September 2013 | Page 20

product knowledge so they can relate that to the customers. Offer
genuinely friendly and helpful service. These are the things that really
matter.
“I think one thing I have learnt over the last few years is that you can’t
be too stuck in your ways. You have to think outside the box and be a bit
more creative, and don’t be scared to try new things and listen to your
customers. We have two stores opposite each other, one is giftware,
table and homeware and on the other side is the kitchen store, where
we have all the kitchen basics like gadgets, cookware and bakeware.
And we also have the largest range of cake decorating supplies in the
region, we offer professional cake decorating classes, cake tins for hire
and an edible image printing service.”
Vicki says that Gift Fairs are a vital part of the retail industry. “Being
able to see wholesalers in one place, seeing the new products, and
building business relationships with these wholesalers is vital. I don’t
understand why or how people can say they see a Gift Fair in one
day! It is very time consuming and frustrating spending extra days
seeing suppliers outside of the Fair when they could be there.”
One of the city’s most popular destinations, attracting more than 1.3
million visitors in a typical year. Colin McFetridge is Manager Retail for
Te Papa and is responsible for the iconic retail store at the Museum as
well as its other outlets.
“Wellington is a great place to live and it’s our people, events and
attractions that make it an even greater place to visit. Wellington puts
a smile on people’s faces. It’s true you can’t beat Wellington on a

good day and that’s every day if you’re lucky enough to be here.
“Our national and international visitors love the feeling you get when
you look up towards the houses on the hills above Oriental Parade
and the city centre. Visit and you’ll enjoy a walk around the harbour
and experience some of New Zeal and’s most colourful shops with an
array of great cafes, restaurants and bars. The city shows its creative
and cultural side everywhere you look and you’re always within a
convenient walk or commute from Courtenay Place to Lambton
Quay. Every day Wellington really does live up to the Lonely Planet
rating of ‘coolest little capital in the world’.”
Colin says the experience Te Papa Store staff give customers means
everything to them. “Whether it’s selling a cuddly soft toy called

coolest
little capital
in the world
Kahu the Kea from our children’s store, a quality reproduction print
from one of our exhibition stores, a New Zealand souvenir from our
Brandon St store, a Te Papa Press book online or a valued piece of
Maori artwork from Te Papa Store, our team know that we all have a
very important role in our museum visitors’ experience. We’re proud
and passionate believers of our brand and our country.

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www.giftfairs.co.nz

“While we have financial targets and budgets to achieve like any
other business, we know that the service that we deliver and the
experience that we are able to create for our customers can make all
the difference to not only their shopping experience at Te Papa but
their personal view of New Zealand.
“Our suppliers are important stakeholders in our varied businesses and
we seek long-term working relationships that enable us to deliver our
customers’ desired experience. They play a vital role working with
and supporting our team to provide a unique point of difference and
generate revenues that help fund the museum.”
Wellington is home to many innovative retailers Colin believes.
“Whether it be from local stores that use technology to offer that extra
special personal service, the new types of product you can now get
from New Zealand-owned and operated international businesses,
and the creative ways that many retailers are adding value to their
bricks and mortar stores when trading online and engaging with
customers using social media.
“Wellington’s future is bright. We’re focused on doing best for the
customer. When we embrace the future and go where the customer
is we soon find our own way to success. The shopping experience we
deliver can make or break our visitor’s lasting memories of our people
and country.”
Another capital icon is New Zealand’s premier department store
since 1863 – Kirkcaldie & Stains. Buying Manager Tamanda Chinula
says part of Wellington’s charm is that it’s small and compact, letting
visitors walk to most attractions. “But the city also has a great transport