76 | BUILDING SUPPLIES Mitre 10 – Waipukurau “With the overall project including a new grading, docking and finger jointing line we’re aiming to increase production by more than 30% and reduce waste currently going to landfill by 25%.” Nationwide Garden Centre of the Year Garden centre manager Shelley Muir, retail Manager Micheal Bennie, purchasing officer Steve Marples, operations Manager Charlie Wynyard. Shelley Muir Garden Centre manager with the award. Mitre 10 Waipukurau, south of Hastings has claimed the prestigious title of Garden Centre of the Year in the 2024 Store and Supply Partner of the Year Awards across the nationwide group. Family owned and operated, the Mitre 10 store, servicing the Central Hawkes Bay district, has triumphed over all other national stores to clinch the title. Mitre 10 Waipukurau owner, Scott Nelson expressed his pride in the achievement stating, “We’re one of the smaller Mitre 10 stores, and under the category of garden centre, we pulled it off and managed to win Mitre 10 Garden Centre of the Year, which is awesome.” This nationwide award for a Mitre 10 store, not a Mega store, is no small feat in the annual event which recognises excellence, especially given the rigorous judging process. “The judges make random store visits,” says Scott, “so you can’t prepare for it.” Assessments are then made on store layout and product variety, sales figures, and customer satisfaction. This win marks the first major category victory for Mitre 10 Waipukurau, although the garden centre has consistently performed well, having been runner-up in previous years. The success of the garden centre is closely linked to the work of Mitre 10 Waipukurau garden centre manager Shelley Muir, who has led the department to new heights since coming onboard two years ago. “The garden centre has traded quite well traditionally, but since Shelley has taken over it has really shifted into top gear,” says Scott. “She’s added her own touch to it, with plenty of innovative ideas and good attention to detail.” Shelley’s deep knowledge of gardening and her rapport with customers have played a key role in the centre’s success. “Customers come in and ask for her by name,” Scott noted. “She’s got the knowledge, from soil types to seasonal planting, and she’s very likable.” Increased enthusiasm from staff has been noticeable says Scott in the lead up to the awards. “Shelley’s enthusiasm radiates across the whole team, and they get quite excited about it, it’s something for them to aim for.” In addition to winning the award, the garden centre has also undergone recent upgrades, including a new shade sail that creates a more enjoyable environment for customers and staff, adding to the centres appeal. T T Bernadette Cooney Trade supplies make up 50 percent of Mitre 10 Waipukurau’s turnover and the Central Hawkes Bay building sector is buoyant says Scott, driven by greater numbers of people choosing to relocate from the cities in search of better value for their property dollar, which the regions still offer. Mitre 10 Waipukurau has well established relationships with local trades from its 30-year history within the town. “Originally there were two smaller Mitre 10 stores at Waipukurau and Waipawa and we combined them both and built a new store here,” says Scott who has been involved in the family business for 10 years. As Mitre 10 Waipukurau continues to evolve alongside the growing district, its garden centre stands as a testament to the hard work, innovation, and customer service that have defined this smalltown success story. Congratulations to Scott and the Garden Centre Teamat Mitre 10Waipukurau fromall of us at Growing Spectrum. Be sure to ask themabout our Nurtured range of plants, available in store now. Zealandia Horticulture are a proud supply partner to Mitre 10 Waipukurau and congratulate them on winning Mitre 10 Garden centre of the year. www.zealandia.co.nz
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