2degrees opens two new stores in one weekend- Westgate and Manukau City centre

AUCKLAND, November 26, 2010 2degrees is continuing its charge into bricks and mortar retail presence this weekend with the launch of two new retail stores in Auckland.

The blue ribbon will be cut at 9am and 10am respectively at its new Westfield Manukau and Westgate Shopping Centre stores.

Chief Sales Officer Mark Cleary says of the new store openings: “People are saying that the retail sector is still struggling and hasnt really emerged from the recession. Were proud to be bucking the trend as one of the few New Zealand companies making new investments in retail.”

“Were making it as easy as possible for our growing customer base to contact us at any time of the day or night, through our New Zealand based call centre and online.”

Mr Cleary says in-store staff have have been overwhelmed by the positive response from customers.

“Our customers have told us they want to meet 2degrees face to face, and to have the opportunity to hold their new phone in their hand prior to purchase.”

In the now familiar blue and white livery, the new stores continue the theme modelled on the traditional „Kiwi backyard, complete with white-wash weatherboard wall, deck, garden fence and welcome mat.

Mr Cleary says that the business would have in excess of 30 stores open by this time next year, and that these would be a mix of 2degrees owned and accredited dealer operated stores. Mr Cleary says the two new stores represent part of the first wave of this new accredited dealers network. Simon Jamieson, Director, Corona Communications Ltd owns the new Westgate store; while the Manukau store is owned by Lailun Khan from Pacific Mobile. Mrs Khan has extensive mobile retail experience through her role as Chief Executive of the Digicell telecommunications provider in Fiji.

2degrees opened its first retail store in Sylvia Park, Auckland on Wednesday 13 October, and this was swiftly followed by new stores in Newmarket, Auckland and a store in Wellington CBD the following week. A 2degrees-owned Christchurch store is planned to open shortly with many more stores in rollout to come.

2degrees commitment to the retail sector is expected to generate over 200 new jobs over the next 12-months through its own stores and accredited dealer stores.

ENDS

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