Gift Spring Gift Fair magazine, September 2013 | Page 30

NATURE DISCOVERIES RETAILER What was the deciding factor to go into business? Nature Discoveries was founded by Doug Pflaum, in 1995. Doug’s passion for the world around us, its inhabitants, ecosystems, the wildlife and a natural curiosity of how things work, provided him with the drive to set up a vehicle that would help educate people of all ages, all interests and all backgrounds around the globe. How many years have you been in this business and what’s your history? Initially, after leaving school, I was a laboratory technician in the freezing industry for five years, before getting married and having a family. In Invercargill, my husband and I had our own business in Singer/Brother sewing machine sales and service and also manufacturing of sports team wear and Irish dancing costumes. I started working for McDonalds in Invercargill and when we moved to Christchurch in the 90’s I continued my involvement with the restaurants, in various roles. When I was employed by Nature Discoveries nearly 5 years ago I was able to combine my interest in science, craft, games, customer care and keeping our minds active. Nature Discoveries specializes in telescopes and optical equipment and all games and puzzles that require a bit of brain gym. We also have a great range of products requiring input or construction. In general everything we supply has a learning or experience aspect. Our store in Riccarton is part of a group, with another store in Lower Hutt and also our online store at www.nature.co.nz Where do you find your motivation/inspiration for your business? Every day I am pleased to be going to work as I really enjoy my job with a mix of accounting, clerical, merchandising, ordering and the customers are so appreciative and we get a lot of positive feedback from young and more mature customers. What’s been the hardest thing/time that you’ve had to work through in your business, and what lessons did you learn? In the last few years I think it goes without saying that the earthquakes have been a hurdle for all. We find that some customers like to share their experiences with us and we relate the when and where. Everyone has a story and we talk to a lot of tourists about their experiences also. What have been the high points and how have you been able to build on those great times? Every day we hear children saying “This is my favorite store”, “Can we go in here?”, or adults passing and saying “That’s a really neat store”, “That used to be my favorite store when I was young”. In business we face the hurdle of transferring these comments into revenue and it is not enough to be popular and a neat place to spend time, but also we want to be THE place to buy those good quality, neat presents that will extend the mind of young and old. Our store is not only for the young and we are always pointing out that all the people who work in our store enjoy all the products also. What are three key points in your business that ensures its success? Keeping a focus on our guidelines, delivering first class customer service, and researching quality products from first rate suppliers. Where to from here for you? I want to keep our focus and stay with the great suppliers we have dealt with since the establishing of the company, but we are always open to new ideas and directions. In other words we are keeping all options open and that is why it is essential to attend the Gift Fairs. Besides this they are a great place for networking and anyone who knows me knows I love a good chat! SPOILT GIFTS & HOMEWARE RETAILER What was the deciding factor to go into business? I always knew that I wanted to open my own shop ‘one day’ but that leap from safety was always so daunting. I always loved the places I worked in and the people I worked with. I was in a complete comfort zone and had been for 28 years, working with some of NZ’s top Giftware and Homeware stores. It took a good hard push from my best friend and believed in me 100%. She said, “Trena, it’s time!” I signed the lease with closed eyes and haven’t looked back. How many years have you been in this business and what’s your history? I opened Spoilt in April 2010, but have been in this industry for 28 years, starting as an 18 year old manager and buyer for D.I.C in Takapuna. This is where I formed my love and desire for beautiful objects and products. Spoilt is a shop of