New store reflects further growth for tech retailer.
Close to 15,000 people visited the new JB Hi-Fi store at The Base Te Awa during the first few days of opening festivities.
JB Hi-Fi New Zealand managing director Tim Edwards says the store signals the companies confidence in New Zealand.
“We’ve really under indexed in terms of the potential in New Zealand. I’ve been here for just over a year and during this time we’ve been planning and executing, and now we’re firmly into the growth phase, which is
pretty exciting.”
Established in Melbourne, Australia in 1974, JB Hi-Fi now has over 200 stores across Australia and New Zealand and is the seventh largest consumer electronic retailer in the world.
The new Hamilton store, a first for JB Hi-Fi in seven years, sees a move away from the CBD to take advantage of larger premises.
Tim Edwards Managing Director JB Hi Fi NZ
“We have doubled our staff numbers to resource the new store, and all existing staff will transition seamlessly to the new location.” he says.
Tim says the store will still embody the brand’s unique JB Hi-Fi style but with a sleeker design to highlight
the products.
“From floor layout to staffing – we’ve infused the JB Hi-Fi DNA into every aspect of the store. We’ve kept all that beautiful handwritten signage, posters and artwork that the team do, so it’s got that beautiful DNA. All the new fixtures are black and they’re quite sexy and they allow the product to really come out.”
The store covers 1100m2 of floor space and is part of the retailer’s five-year growth strategy to open more stores, refit the existing network, relocate stores to be in more convenient locations for customers, and launch at least two international airport locations, starting with Auckland and Christchurch airports.
“Te Awa is the first brand-new, new format store that we have in New Zealand,” Tim says.
Within the existing network of the 14 New Zealand stores, Hamilton and Queen Street, Auckland were the first to relocate.
“The other 12 have all been or are being refurbished. We’re hoping to go from 14 to 38 stores over the next three to five years,” he says.
“Our team has been working hard behind the scenes, and we have big plans for the future. If you want to invest in, work for, or partner with JB Hi-Fi, now’s the time. But strap in because this is just the beginning.”
JB Hi-Fi have also partnered with Geeks on Wheels to provide continued service right into the home.
“It means you can buy a computer or a TV and get it installed and set up for you. We hadn’t had that consistent application through our business before.”
Tim says the Australian holding company show of confidence in New Zealand will also extend new exciting offers and propositions into the mobile phones and subscription services areas of the business.
“We’re launching some new products in the next four to six months, which will be not just a New Zealand first, but probably will be an Australian first. We’re taking some of the things you consider part of the Australian business and modifying it and tweaking it a little bit to be even better. So that let us push the envelope even further here in New Zealand.”
JB Hi-Fi’s range of products will give shoppers at The Base Te Awa more to choose from, whether they are looking for computers and tablets, phones, TVs and audio equipment, gaming devices, home appliances, music, movies or anything else that helps them live, learn, work and play better.
“We’re retail, with personality. Our stores are a fun place to be, whether you’re on an entertainment or technology mission, checking out what’s new, or flicking through the vinyl racks.”
The new JB Hi-Fi store was launched with live performances from crowd favourites White Chapel Jak and music legend Jon Toogood of Shihad fame, plus exclusive deals on the official opening night.
