Page 2 - OPE Sep-Oct 2021

CLIPPINGS
Local and International News
Hi from “Island Auckland”
As I write, our
readers outside of
Auckland will already all be flat tack, experiencing the panic and the payback that follows several weeks doing almost nothing.
Suppliers and servicing dealers will be desperately working through their backlogs.
Major end users and contractors will be doing the same.
It’s almost a perfect storm – after all, Spring growth is no respecter of pandemics or lockdowns.
We’ll get through it though.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And hopefully, by the time you read
this, Aucklanders too will be back at work, all of us trying desperately to make up for lost time...
Steve Bohling Group Editor
steveb@mpm.nz 09 304 270
NZ Outdoor Power Equipment
is published 4 times per year
by Marketplace Media,
PO Box 28372, Remuera, Auckland 1541 Phone: 09 375 3097
Website : www.ope.co.nz
ISSN: 1177-4215
The opinions expressed and material published in New Zealand Outdoor Power Equipment
are not necessarily those of the publisher, except where specifically stated. The content is copyright and may not be reprinted in any form without the permission of the publisher.
Group Editor Steve Bohling 021 0223 6887 steveb@mpm.nz
Account Manager Karen Condon 0275 420 338
karenc@mpm.nz
Account Manager Susan Kennedy 021 317 176
susank@mpm.nz
Studio Manager Rachel Walker 021 169 0201
rachelw@mpm.nz
Publisher Simon Little 021 507 343 simonl@mpm.nz
SERVICING DEALERS
Rotorua’s new STIHL SHOP
02 NZOUTDOORPOWEREQUIPMENT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2021
moreat www.facebook.com/NZOPEmagazine
Born of a well-established business,
Rotorua has a new STIHL SHOP. Back in late 2006, Chrissy Leaf
purchased Lakeland Chainsaws & Mowers (Rotorua), starting a completely new career.
Changing direction, from the film industry and travelling around the world to selling chainsaws & mowers, was “quite a transformation!” she says today.
But Chrissy soon developed a passion for selling and interacting with customers daily, learning new skills and running a staff of five.
Back then, Lakeland Chainsaws & Mowers was a stockist of STIHL products, along with Masport, Kärcher, and Victa ride-on mowers but struggled with limited floor space.
“In 2017 we became serious about looking for a bigger premises,” says Chrissy, “and it took a further two years to find the perfect site.”
A fresh start with a new build was the answer and Bayley’s Real Estate Rotorua worked alongside Ross Parker of EML to bring to fruition new premises on Pukeroa Oruawhata Group’s Trade Central Rotorua Site.
“Pukeroa Oruawhata Group and Ronayne Construction have been fantastic to work with and certainly made the process clear and simple for us,” says Chrissy Leaf.
“We went from a showroom of 70m2 to today, where we find ourselves in a 600m2 building, with a 300m2 of retail floor space and eight staff.”
As well as the new premises, Chrissy Leaf is also now the owner-operator of a full-blown STIHL SHOP, bringing with it seven-day trading and a lot more product, not only in the STIHL range, but also Cub Cadet ride-on mowers, Honda powered outdoor products, Kärcher Service and a complete tree care range including Protos, Silky Saws and a range of arborist gear, including Meindl boots and Pfanner clothing!
Covid-19 did throw a spanner in the works and delayed the new premises by 12 months, however it was well worth the wait.
“To be honest 2020 was a bit of a blur,” says Chrissy, as you’d expect what with building a new retail store, lockdown then that business rebound, plus staffing issues: “Small engine technicians are like needles in a haystack to find,” she says.
So, with more than one eye on the future, STIHL SHOP Lakelands has
recently taken on an apprentice and two new retail staff.
“It takes a very, very long time to train people,” says Chrissy Leaf. “There is so much to learn, not only the product on the racks, but parts, stock management, HR, marketing, and training.”
Despite long days, the process of getting the new site and operation together
has been extremely rewarding, she says, adding: “A huge thank you must go to Darryl Perkins from STIHL NZ and for the huge support STIHL NZ has given us.
“Thanks also to my staff, who worked tirelessly during the relocation and transition to STIHL SHOP Lakelands.
“I believe like most business owners, the key to great retailing is great people, great quality products and excellent customer
service.”
Chrissy Leaf and her team opened
their new STIHL SHOP at Trade Central, Rotorua on the first of July and so far, they are all “loving our new store, it’s big, bright, loads of parking, sassy and easy to find!”
Check it out when you’re in the area.
www.stihlshop.co.nz www.facebook.com/StihlShopLakelands n