Blackwell’s Department Store reopening

Blackwell’s Department Store reopening

Kaiapoi’s iconic Blackwell’s Department Store is reopening in its completed new building, with more space and a wider product range than ever before.

The new building is on the same site as the distinctive 1921 Blackwell’s store, demolished after the 7.1 magnitude quake on 4 September, 2010. It retains the grace and many features of the old building, but with a more modern, contemporary feel. As well as the main shop floor of Blackwell’s itself, the building is to house a café and a beauty salon on the ground floor street frontage. The first floor provides much-needed commercial floor space for Kaiapoi-based business tenants, and has excellent river views. A new car park and entrance is available at the back of the store.

Established in 1871, Blackwell’s is one of the oldest department stores in New Zealand, and brothers Andrew and Michael Blackwell are the fifth generation of Blackwells to manage it. Michael Blackwell says the Kaiapoi community has had an enormous amount of interest in seeing the building take shape.

“It’s a step forward in the recovery of the community. It’s good for people to see things getting completed,” Michael says.

The finished store marks the end of a challenging period trading out of several temporary premises and amidst construction activity. Until now trading has been limited, but from Friday, the store will be fully fitted and stocked, with many new ranges in men’s’ and women’s’ clothing in particular. There are also new collections in gifts, footwear, Manchester, furnishing, carpets and vinyls, haberdashery, wool, and fishing gear.

There’ll be opening specials on offer, plus a Customer Evening on December 12, with more special offers and a chance to win a $1000 Blackwell’s shopping voucher.

A grand opening celebration is planned for early 2014, once the building is fully tenanted and roadworks on neighbouring streets complete.

Andrew Blackwell says it’s a good feeling to embark on the store’s 143rd year on such a positive note, given the challenges of the past three years.
“If it weren’t for the tremendous support from the Canterbury community through the earthquake, we wouldn’t be in the position we are now – still going, and still trading,” Andrew Blackwell says.

“The town is recovering and redeveloping, and we can move forward with a lot of confidence.”

The business has retained its pre-earthquake staff throughout the post-quake period.

“We want to acknowledge the support of staff in a very difficult working environment,” Michael Blackwell says.

“The new building is a great working space, with some of the atmosphere of the former building. It’s not a faceless modern building – it has character.”

Blackwell’s Department Store reopening: Friday, 29 November, 9 am until 5.30 pm.
Downstairs tenants: Coffee Culture and Absolute Beauty (both opening soon).
Upstairs tenant: Ashton Wheelans (chartered accountants and business advisors). Two other upstairs office spaces are available to be tenanted.

ENDS

© Scoop Media