Business Central September 2021

52 | Local knowledge and expertise a winner T T Richard Loader The well stocked garden centre is a key feature of Hammer Hardware – Wairoa. Wairoa: Hammer Hardware - Wairoa REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT P roudly locally owned and operated, Hammer Hardware – Wairoa can trace its roots back to 1878 and it’s been in the hands of the same family every single one of those 143 years. Lauren Johansen is now the fifth generation to take ownership of the business that was first established by her great-great grand - father, Olaf Johansen, and make her own distinctive mark. What is more, while the name and the shape of the business may have changed several times over the decades, taking pride of place in the heart of Wairoa has never changed. Originally known as a retail hardware store with a painting, paper hanging and plumbing service, the business evolved with each gener- ation keeping it relevant and in 1974 the store was one in the first in the country to join the Mitre 10 group. “At that stage the painting, paper hanging and plumbing business was split out,” says Lauren. “Six years later my dad, Paul, took over the business, extending the shop quite significant - ly in 1989.” The next major change came in 2011, when the store rebranded as Hammer Hardware, part of the Mitre 10 family. Lauren grew up helping out in the store and four years ago took over its management, becoming a director with her father. Diversity and being a one-stop-shop is the key to keeping customers coming through the doors and in addition to a large product range that includes general hardware, paint, car care products and storage solutions, a very well stocked garden centre is a key feature. But the store’s diversity also includes New Zealand Post and Kiwi Bank agencies and it was one of the first shops in New Zealand to take on the Lotto franchise, delivering a few first division wins. In keeping with her family’s spirit for on-go- ing development, Lauren added a gift store called ‘Ecko’ to the offerings . In recent times she has relocated Ecko next door to provide space for a larger range of paints. “Across the whole business I have ten staff. “We’re a busy shop, though it is hard at the moment because we have a New World Supermarket being built next door to us, which has impacted on our impulse buyer foot traffic. “When it’s built it will add to our foot traffic though.” Lauren says small service town stores like hers excel at providing a very personalised and friendly service, but says on-line shopping and the ease of going to large towns for shop- ping is a constant challenge. “People’s perception is that prices in small towns are going to be more expensive, which isn’t always the case. “Being part of the Mitre 10 group we’re able to access a large range of products, so it’s not just about what we have on our shelves.” Lauren says being the fifth generation family member to own the store she feels a deep sense of responsibility but loves owning the business. “I love adding my own flavour to the busi - ness and being in control of my own destiny. We’re proud to be locally owned and operated and we care about our customers.” 0800 735 539 www.selleys.co.nz Selleys trusted DIY products available at Hammer Hardware Wairoa.