CEO 'optimistic and positive' about Invercargill retail market
“[Invercargill Central] is a beautiful centre, it really is world-class and Southlanders should be proud of it.”
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The latest addition to Invercargill’s retail scene has full confidence in the Southland market and has also declared the Invercargill Central development “world-class”.
Christchurch-based Ballantynes will officially open up a new satellite store in Invercargill on Friday.
Ballantynes is a 170-year-old business and one of just a couple of large family-owned department store businesses remaining in New Zealand, following the closure of H&J Smith in November.
On top of its main department store in Christchurch, Ballantynes also has operations in Timaru and Auckland, and soon to be Invercargill.
Ballantynes chief executive Maria O’Halloran said it was a very considered decision to set up a select store in Invercargill.
“It’s certainly been on our radar for the last few years… Obviously the economy is always a factor in any business environment, but we are very optimistic and positive [in Southland],” she said.
O’Halloran said the decision to join the new Invercargill Central development made sense.
“Obviously when we decided to enter that market we considered our options. We felt the buzzing backdrop of Invercargill Central was best suited to our store model and requirements at this time.
“It’s a beautiful centre, it really is world-class and Southlanders should be proud of it.”
The Ballantynes opening in Invercargill comes just four months after the closure of Invercargill’s own historic department store business, H&J Smith.
O’Halloran said they already had Invercargill in their sights before that closure.
“We are passionate retailers, like H&Js. We’ve always had a great long-standing working relationship with the team down there and it’s never nice to see stories like that, we know how hard it can be.
“But from our perspective, I think we have stayed really close to our customers and that’s why we have invested in Invercargill today.”
“Personally, I believe the future of retail is strong providing retailers like us continue to innovate. You’ve got to remain relevant to your customer.
“I think that is the secret formula, constantly reinventing yourself but never losing sight of those lovely traditions that underpin us as a department store.”
Ballantynes has employed four staff in Invercargill, all have come from within Southland.
The store manager, Norman Ferreira, previously worked as a manager at Ballantynes in Christchurch before relocating to Invercargill last year.
“When he heard we were opening [in Invercargill] it was great news for both parties.”
Ballantynes Select ranges a carefully curated selection of local and international fashion, accessories, and gifting from its flagship Christchurch store.