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There will be an experienced local at the helm when discount store Crackerjack opens its doors in Warkworth for the first time at Kowhai Falls.
Branch manager Karina Gibbs has lived near Kaipara Flats since marrying her Warkworth born and bred husband 18 years ago, and she can’t wait to show off the new 800 square metre store to locals when it opens just in time for Christmas.
“I’ve spent my whole working life in retail and the last nine years in management, and it’s really exciting to be bringing Crackerjack to Warkworth,” she says.
Karina will be heading a team of 17 staff, all recruited locally.
“We’ve got a great team of all ages, from young ’uns to people in their 60s – it’s a really good mix,” she says.
Crackerjack opted for Kowhai Falls due to the area experiencing significant growth that is projected to continue well into the future.
“Our research shows us our customers are prepared to travel a considerable distance to get to a Crackerjack store – I was working in our Albany branch last week, and saw several local people come in every day,” Karina says.
“Warkworth will have the ability to pull from surrounding areas such as Wellsford and Mangawhai.”
What can people who’ve never been to a Crackerjack expect from the new store?
“Crackerjack is all about the bargain hunting thrill – for us and our customers,” she says. “We search the globe for unique products at great prices to surprise and delight. We may only have some of them for a couple of weeks, though, so it is a real ‘when it’s gone, it’s gone’ mentality.”
Product lines range from grocery basics, international foods, health and beauty and homeware to furniture, garden and pet supplies and clothes.
Karina says the Warkworth Crackerjack will feature wider shopping aisles, better lighting and a new layout, and there will be a grand opening day with special offers just for local shoppers.
