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The development of Kowhai Falls retail centre could not have come at a better time for the owner of Hunting & Fishing Warkworth, Colin Barlow.
Hunting & Fishing first opened in Baxter Street 16 year ago, with Barlow taking over the business seven years ago.
“The area is growing, and we’ve been running out of room, but there has been next-to-no large retail footprint premises available,” Barlow says. “So, when I was approached late last year about the possibility of moving to Kowhai Falls, I jumped at it.
“What sealed the deal is that Hunting & Fishing will be part of a retail environment.”
The new premises will allow Barlow to provide customers with a wider range of goods, particularly in his fishing, camping and clothing lines, as well as being able to introduce new ranges.
“We’ll be looking at stocking more variety and, in terms of the clothing, covering all seasons.
“In the fullness of time, I’d see our range increasing by 30 to 40 per cent.”
The move will also see staff numbers increase from nine to 12.
“It’s really cool to be a locally owned business that will now have the space to give customers a complete shopping experience.
“We might be getting bigger, but I can guarantee the same level of personal customer service that we’ve always delivered.”
Barlow, who is a member of the One Mahurangi committee, also sees his shift from the fringes of the town centre as a positive move for the central business district.
“With the motorway open, there is a real opportunity to revisit the town centre and encourage boutique/bespoke-type businesses like Warkworth Menswear.
“Gentrify might not be the right word, but I’d like our town centre to be a place where visitors can stroll along the street and enjoy businesses that are unique to our town.”
Hunting & Fishing will continue to trade from its Baxter Street store until the Kowhai Falls store opens in early December.
