Mitre 10 is expanding in Auckland’s new Westgate development, with its latest Mitre 10 Mega store opening at the end of October.
The store is co-owned by experienced retailers and Auckland locals Dave and Elaine Hargreaves, in conjunction with brothers Stephen and Graeme Ricketts.
The Ricketts family also owns the Mitre 10 Mega Hastings and Napier stores, and has been part of the Mitre 10 group since 1975, while Mr Hargreaves joined the company two years ago as an operations manager at the national support centre.
The Hargreaves’ will oversee the day-to-day management of the store.
With more than 30 years’ experience in retail for blue chip New Zealand brands, Mr Hargreaves is excited about the new opportunities the Westgate development affords retailers and consumers alike.
“It’s an exciting new opportunity for the whole area, and Mitre 10 is the first cab off the rank within the retail development,” Mr Hargreaves says.
“West Auckland is growing rapidly, and the new, bigger Mitre 10 Mega will be well positioned to service the DIY and trade needs of the many new West Aucklanders as well as those who have called the area home for many years.
“We’re pleased to be doing our bit for the local economy, with more than 80 local people employed in the new Mitre 10, including 22 people who came across from the previous Mitre 10 Westgate store.
“Mitre 10 has been part of New Zealand’s DIY culture since 1974, and is proudly New Zealand-owned and operated.”
Mitre 10 chief executive Neil Cowie says the Ricketts family has a long history with Mitre 10, and the Hargreaves’ have a huge amount of retail experience.
“We’re looking forward to watching the success of our newest store in the network — and I’m sure Westgate locals are too. Our stores are always closely involved in their communities, and Westgate will be no exception,” Mr Cowie says.
38th Mitre 10 Mega
Mega Westgate is the 38th Mitre 10 Mega store to open. It will be fully equipped to service the region’s trade professionals as well as its retail offering.
It will also have the biggest garden centre in the area, as well as a Columbus Coffee, drive through for trade customers, 240 car parks and a children’s playground.
This year Mitre 10 also opened new Mitre 10 Mega stores in Taupo, New Lynn and Porirua, and is aiming to add another three stores to its network in the coming year.
The 56ha Westgate development is managed by New Zealand Retail Property Group, and includes commercial, street-based retail, entertainment, dining and office spaces.
It features a $6 million town square, a $15 million library and six hectares of public open space, including parks and walkways. It is estimated that it will create an extra 8500 jobs in the area.
