retail therapy

IN THE GRAND retail formula, cramming a shop with as much product as possible doesn't necessarily equate to more sales. Indeed an over-stocked and disorganised store will more often than not discourage the customer. In the children's clothing market, displaying stock in an uncluttered way is particularly important as this leaves plenty of aisle space for families with strollers to move around the store.

The fit-out of this LA Pumpkin Patch store was completed by Espies. Director Gary Glogoski says Espies has been fitting out Pumpkin Patch stores since the company opened its first retail outlet. The majority of these have been in conjunction with Borland-Lye Mackenzie. Espies has now completed well over 100 Pumpkin Patch stores internationally.

"We are responsible for all the internal fittings. For the New Zealand stores, we carry out the installation as well as the shop front and building works. Each fit-out requires a wide range of skills, a great deal of versatility and people who are experienced with a range of different materials," he says.

The company also provides the internal shop fittings for Pumpkin Patch's overseas outlets.

"While we've been working together for over 10 years, the relationship is not taken for granted. It's a large percentage of our business and we make sure we give our best every time," says Glogoski.

For the Glendale Galleria store, Espies manufactured the internal elements, including the sales counter, display units, clothing rails and shelving. These were shipped to the US for installation by a local contractor.

"We make to measure exactly what Pumpkin Patch requires for each outlet. We can't do all of the overseas installations ourselves, but we oversee the first few stores in each new market, where we can," says Glogoski. "We have to allow for the different regulations in each country. We use the architect's drawings to get the measurements we need to manufacture each piece here in our factory in East Tamaki."

Previously known as Espies Shopfitters, the company recently changed its name to Espies NZ Ltd, to reflect the broader scope the company's work has taken in recent years. For example, the company fitted out Cerebos Greggs' Auckland office with a custom-made curved reception desk, display cabinets and a contemporary espresso counter.

"We can do as much or as little building work as the client requires," says Glogoski. "Sometimes we begin with just the walls and carry out all the interior building work including the bulkheads, doors, plumbing and electrical work."

For further information, contact Espies NZ Ltd, phone (09) 273 9400, fax (09) 273 9401. Website: www.espies.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas