Innovative Retailer Introduces 3 Day Week

Media release: 6 September 2004

INNOVATIVE RETAILER INTRODUCES 3 DAY WEEK

As retailers offer longer and longer opening hours in a bid to increase trade, an innovative Hamilton company is bucking the trend in order to save customers money.

Suite 3, a furniture retailer based in Collins Road, Hamilton will open its doors on Friday 10 September, and close them again on Sunday. The three-day trading week is one of a number of cost-saving elements to be introduced by Suite 3, after an exhaustive study of the furniture retail industry.

Suite 3 Director Guy Howard-Willis, who has been involved at all levels of the furniture industry for over 30 years, says the business will be built on bringing the customer and the supplier closer together, by cutting out many of the processes and expenses traditionally found in the retail market.

"Around 90% of customers shopping for furniture make their purchases on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, allowing us to cut costs considerably by not opening seven days a week," says Guy Howard-Willis.

"We'll also make other savings, such as using premises with a cheaper rental, eliminating delivery and handling costs and sourcing the best priced goods directly from international manufacturers - all of which will considerably reduce the cost to the consumer."

Although Suite 3 will focus on cutting retail prices, often by more than 70%, Guy Howard-Willis is determined not to compromise on quality.

"We have sourced exceptional European-style furniture, with simple, contemporary designs," says Guy Howard-Willis.

"Our selected furniture range is made from the highest quality materials, including oak timber, the latest European fabrics and dyed leather, with a number of products available in New Zealand for the first time."

Suite 3's range will include beds and bedroom furniture, dining and lounge suites, home office and outdoor furniture. The company is also looking to introduce a line of kitchen and bathroom units, spa pools and sport equipment.

Guy Howard-Willis, who found inspiration for the Suite 3 concept in the European IKEA stores, says the company will provide the ideal alternative for people seeking stylish contemporary designs, particularly those furnishing a new home.

"Suite 3 will really appeal to people who have far more taste than they have budget," says Guy Howard-Willis.

"We believe that, although we're not in a central location, customers will make a point of coming here to get a bargain, especially when they see the standard of the furniture we are offering."

Mr Howard-Willis says Hamilton's Suite 3 showroom will be the first of a national chain, with branches planned for Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch.

Suite 3 will open on Friday 10 September at 9am, 152 Collins Road Hamilton. The showroom's normal trading hours will be Friday 9am - 6pm and Saturday - Sunday 9am - 4pm.

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Glass Tower Strategic Communications Ltd