New-Look Paper Plus Store Opens In Gisborne As Part Of $22 Million National Expansion
Paper Plus will unveil an exciting brand makeover to Gisborne shoppers with the opening a new-look store on Gladstone Road on Thursday (26 November). It’s the first store in the East Cape to adopt the leading New Zealand-owned book and stationery retailer’s new look, following the announcement last month by Paper Plus of a $22 million national expansion.
The Paper Plus Group plans to refit its entire network of 106 Paper Plus stores over the next two years.
The new-look Paper Plus Gisborne store will offer an enhanced in-store experience for shoppers, including a new store layout, a greater book and stationery offering, and a new dedicated children’s area. Book-lovers will be delighted by the expanded book range on offer in the new store, which means they’ll never miss out on the latest bestsellers and great reads. The increased range of stock will provide even greater selection for shoppers, while the new displays will make items easier to find.
The store’s owners, Neville and Karen Parkinson, have been with the Paper Plus Group for four years, and in the same location for 10 years (previously operating as Books and More). “We are proud to be a part of a New Zealand success story and to serve the local community,” Neville says. “Refitting the entire store has allowed us to utilise the space we have by expanding on the great Paper Plus offer. We truly believe we have the best and biggest range of books and stationery in the region.”
Neville not only owns and operates Paper Plus Gisborne, but is also a member of the Paper Plus Group Board of Directors and is heavily involved in the local community as chairman of the Heart of Gisborne and the Gisborne Crime Prevention Camera Trust.
Neville and Karen are both avid readers and Karen often assists with book-buying for the Paper Plus Group.
“Our new store layout is very exciting, and it could not have been made possible without the help of local contractors, who have done a fantastic job,” says Neville. “We have been able to extend our retail area and this gives our customers more space to explore the stunning books and stationery offering. Customers will now enjoy finding what they want more easily thanks to the new layout and our friendly, well-trained staff members.”
In addition to having a great range of books, Paper Plus has as its books spokesperson Kerre Woodham, who does monthly book reviews as part of the Paper Plus Books Choices programme. Kerre’s Choices are always available in store – so shoppers can rest assured they are in for a pleasurable read! Avid readers can also share their thoughts on the books Kerre reviews on the Paper Plus website (www.paperplus.co.nz) and keep up to date on the latest releases.
Kids don’t miss out either, with a special Kids’ Club area including Kids’ Choices Book Reviews, fun games, and a great range of art supplies.
“It’s great to be part of the only New Zealand-owned and operated book and stationery retailer,” Neville says. “I enjoy the variety of challenges in an owner-operator business, and being involved in the local community is an important part of what we do. It is fantastic to be apart of something that contributes to the cornerstone of education, entertainment and leisure.”
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About Paper Plus
The Paper Plus Group began 26 years ago and is New Zealand’s largest stationery and bookseller. The Group incorporates three separate retail brands: Paper Plus, which has 104 stores; Take Note with 63 stores; and Office Spot with three stores, all offering a great range of stationery, books, magazines, cards and gifts to New Zealand consumers. There is a Paper Plus store in every town and city, from Kaitaia to Invercargill. It is the only New Zealand book and stationery retailer with Fly Buys.