Books focus of Paper Plus' $22m expansion
Saturday Oct 17, 2009 - Maria Slade in the New Zeland Herald
Chief executive Rob Smith (above) says people still like books being recommended to them. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey
Retailer Paper Plus is unveiling a $22 million store expansion and refurbishment plan as it shifts to a greater focus on bookselling.
It will revamp all of its 104 stores nationwide over the next two years and open up to 25 new outlets.
Chief executive Rob Smith said following extensive market research the group had identified books and stationery as its biggest growth opportunities.
But that was not how customers were perceiving the retailer. "We were seen more as a cards and novelties operator."
As a result Paper Plus is rejigging its business model.
The books section will now be at the entrance to the stores, franchise holders are training to become "book champions", and media personality Kerre Woodham has been signed on for another two years as the chain's book ambassador.
Despite the multi-media age, book customers still wanted the next page-turner recommended to them, Smith said.
It will revamp all of its 104 stores nationwide over the next two years and open up to 25 new outlets.
Chief executive Rob Smith said following extensive market research the group had identified books and stationery as its biggest growth opportunities.
But that was not how customers were perceiving the retailer. "We were seen more as a cards and novelties operator."
As a result Paper Plus is rejigging its business model.
The books section will now be at the entrance to the stores, franchise holders are training to become "book champions", and media personality Kerre Woodham has been signed on for another two years as the chain's book ambassador.
Despite the multi-media age, book customers still wanted the next page-turner recommended to them, Smith said.
Read the full piece at the NZH online.
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